LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q7: It is widely believed that eating

LSAT Question Stem

The argument employs which one of the following argumentative strategies? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The LSAT problem presents an argument that challenges the widely held belief that eating chocolate can cause acne. The argument's structure consists of a premise and a conclusion. The premise is that recent scientific studies indicate that hormonal changes associated with stress can cause acne, and there is good evidence that people who are fond of chocolate tend to eat more chocolate when they are under stress. The conclusion is that it is likely that common wisdom has mistaken an effect (eating chocolate) for a cause (acne).

To help understand this argument, let's use a simple example. Imagine a group of people who notice that whenever it rains, they see more people carrying umbrellas. They might conclude that carrying umbrellas causes rain. However, another explanation could be that people carry umbrellas when they expect rain, so the presence of umbrellas is actually an effect of the rain, not a cause.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices for the question, which asks us to identify the argumentative strategy employed in the passage.

a) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not challenge the accuracy of the evidence supporting the belief that eating chocolate is followed by acne outbreaks. Instead, it offers an alternative explanation for the observed correlation.

b) This answer choice is correct because the argument provides additional evidence (scientific studies about stress and chocolate consumption) that points to an alternative interpretation of the evidence supporting the belief that eating chocolate causes acne.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not dismiss the relevance of everyday experience out of hand. Instead, it offers a well-reasoned counterargument based on scientific evidence.

d) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not claim that the belief about chocolate and acne is inconsistent with well-established facts. The scientific studies cited are recent, so it would be premature to consider them well-established facts.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not provide counterexamples that show causes do not always precede their effects. The argument simply offers an alternative explanation for the observed correlation between chocolate consumption and acne outbreaks.