LSAT Explanation PT 38, S4, Q13: A recent study reveals that television

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that a recent study reveals that television advertising does not significantly affect children's preferences for breakfast cereals. The study compared two groups of children: one group that had watched no television, and another group that had watched average amounts of television and its advertising. Both groups strongly preferred the sugary cereals heavily advertised on television. The conclusion of the argument is that television advertising does not significantly affect children's preferences for breakfast cereals.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Were the preferences of children who do not watch television advertising influenced by the preferences of children who watch the advertising?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is Weaken, which means we're looking for the statement that, if true, would most weaken the argument.

a) The preferences of children who do not watch television advertising are influenced by the preferences of children who watch the advertising.

This answer choice weakens the argument because it suggests that the preferences of both groups could be based on television advertising, even if indirectly. If the children who do not watch television advertising are influenced by the preferences of children who do watch the advertising, then the conclusion that television advertising does not significantly affect children's preferences for breakfast cereals is weakened. This is the correct answer.

b) The preference for sweets is not a universal trait in humans and can be influenced by environmental factors such as television advertising.

This answer choice does not directly weaken the argument, as it only suggests that it's possible for television advertising to influence the preference for sweets. However, it doesn't provide any information on whether this influence is significant or if it applies to the specific case of children's preferences for breakfast cereals. Moreover, it could be interpreted as strengthening the argument by eliminating the idea that preference for sweets is universal in humans.

c) Most of the children in the group that had watched television were already familiar with the advertisements for these cereals.

This answer choice doesn't weaken the argument because it doesn't address the children who didn't watch television. If those children still prefer the cereals, then the argument remains strong.

d) Both groups rejected cereals low in sugar even when these cereals were heavily advertised on television.

This answer choice strengthens the argument, as it shows that both groups of children were not influenced by the advertising of low-sugar cereals. We're looking for an answer choice that weakens the argument, so this one is not correct.

e) Cereal preferences of adults who watch television are known to be significantly different from the cereal preferences of adults who do not watch television.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument, as it discusses the preferences of adults, not children. It doesn't provide any information that would weaken the conclusion about children's preferences for breakfast cereals.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it most weakens the argument by suggesting that the preferences of both groups of children could be based on television advertising, even if indirectly.