LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q9: Psychologist: Although studies of young children

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most logically completes the passage? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a Most Strongly Supported question, which asks us to complete the given passage with the most logical statement based on the information provided in the passage.

The passage discusses the role of environmental influences and innate mechanisms in language acquisition. The psychologist believes that both factors play a role, and thus the most reasonable question to study should be related to the relative importance of these factors.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

Answer choice (A): This choice focuses on whether language acquisition can ever be fully explained. However, the passage is more concerned with the relative roles of environment and innate mechanisms in language acquisition, making this choice irrelevant to the main point.

Answer choice (B): Although the passage mentions that innate mechanisms are a contributing factor in language learning, this statement is already established in the passage. The question to be studied should go beyond this point, making this answer choice incorrect.

Answer choice (C): This choice suggests that language acquisition is solely the product of innate mechanisms. However, the passage clearly states that both environmental influences and innate mechanisms play a role, so this choice contradicts the passage's information.

Answer choice (D): This choice focuses on the importance of parents and peers (environmental influences) in language acquisition. However, the passage is more concerned with the relative roles of environment and innate mechanisms, not just the importance of environmental influences. Therefore, this choice does not capture the main point.

Answer choice (E): This choice addresses the relative roles of environment and innate mechanisms in language acquisition, which is the main concern of the passage. It suggests that the most reasonable question to study is whether innate mechanisms play a more important role than a child's immediate environment. This choice aligns with the passage's focus and is the correct answer.

In conclusion, the most logical statement to complete the passage is answer choice (E), as it addresses the relative roles of environmental influences and innate mechanisms in language acquisition, which is the main point of the passage.