LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q5: In a poll of eligible voters

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, contributes to a resolution of the discrepancy described above EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. It states that on the eve of a mayoral election, a poll of eligible voters showed that more people favored Panitch than any other candidate. However, Yeung defeated Panitch by a comfortable margin. This presents a discrepancy that needs to be resolved.

The question type is Paradox, and we are asked to identify the answer choice that does NOT contribute to resolving the discrepancy described in the passage.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Of Yeung's supporters, a smaller percentage were eligible to vote than the percentage of Panitch's supporters who were eligible to vote.

This answer choice does not help resolve the discrepancy because if a smaller percentage of Yeung's supporters were eligible to vote, it would make it less likely for Yeung to win the election. Thus, this answer choice does not contribute to a resolution and is the correct answer.

b) A third candidate, Mulhern, conducted a press conference on the morning of the election and withdrew from the race.

This answer choice helps resolve the discrepancy because it suggests that Mulhern's supporters may have switched their allegiance to Yeung after Mulhern withdrew, leading to Yeung's victory.

c) The poll's questions were designed by staff members of Panitch's campaign.

This answer choice helps resolve the discrepancy by casting doubt on the poll itself. If the poll was designed by Panitch's staff, the results might not be truly indicative of voter sentiment, which could explain why Yeung won the election.

d) Of the poll respondents supporting Yeung, 70 percent described the election as "important" or "very important," while 30 percent of respondents supporting Panitch did the same.

This answer choice helps resolve the discrepancy by suggesting that Yeung's supporters were more likely to vote than Panitch's. If Yeung's supporters felt the election was more important, they would be more motivated to actually vote, leading to Yeung's victory.

e) The poll, conducted on a Monday, surveyed persons in the downtown area, and the percentage of Yeung's supporters who work downtown is lower than that of Panitch's supporters.

This answer choice helps resolve the discrepancy by suggesting that the poll had sample bias. If the poll surveyed mostly downtown workers, and a higher percentage of Panitch's supporters work downtown, the poll results might not accurately represent the overall voter sentiment, which could explain why Yeung won the election.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it does not contribute to resolving the discrepancy between the poll results and the actual election outcome.