LSAT Explanation PT 34, S3, Q2: To acquire a better understanding of

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the practice mentioned above EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and question. The passage states that some psychologists study the personalities of animals to acquire a better understanding of the structure and development of human personality. The question type is a Paradox, and it asks us to identify the answer choice that does not contribute to explaining the practice mentioned in the passage.

Now, let's go through the answer choices one by one:

a) The actions of humans and animals are believed to be motivated by similar instincts, but these instincts are easier to discern in animals.

This answer choice contributes to explaining the practice because it suggests that studying animals can provide insights into human personality due to the similarity in instincts. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

b) The law forbids certain experiments on humans but permits them on animals.

This answer choice contributes to explaining the practice because it provides a practical reason for studying animals instead of humans - the legality of experiments. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

c) It is generally less expensive to perform experiments on animals than it is to perform them on humans.

This answer choice contributes to explaining the practice because it provides a financial reason for studying animals instead of humans - the cost of experiments. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

d) Proper understanding of human personality is thought to provide a model for better understanding the personality of animals.

This answer choice does not contribute to explaining the practice mentioned in the passage. It suggests that studying human personality helps understand animal personality, but the passage states that psychologists study animal personalities to understand human personality. This answer choice is a mistaken reversal and does not provide any reason for studying animals to understand humans. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

e) Field observations of the behavior of young animals often inspire insightful hypotheses about human personality development.

This answer choice contributes to explaining the practice because it suggests that studying young animals can lead to new ideas about human personality development. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it does not contribute to explaining the practice mentioned in the passage. It is important to remember that mistaken reversals can occur in causal relationships as well, not just in strictly conditional statements.