LSAT Explanation PT 38, S4, Q6: In any field, experience is required

LSAT Question Stem

The argument requires the assumption of which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that in any field, experience is required for a proficient person to become an expert. Through experience, a proficient person develops a repertory of model situations that allow for an immediate, intuitive response to each new situation. This is the hallmark of expertise, and because of this, computerized "expert systems" cannot be as good as human experts. The reason given is that although computers can store millions of bits of information, the knowledge of human experts, who benefit from the experience of thousands of situations, is not stored within their brains in the form of rules and facts.

The argument's structure is as follows:

Premise: Experience is required for a proficient person to become an expert.

Premise: Through experience, a proficient person develops a repertory of model situations that allow for an immediate, intuitive response to each new situation.

Premise: Computers can store millions of bits of information, but the knowledge of human experts is not stored within their brains in the form of rules and facts.

Conclusion: Computerized "expert systems" cannot be as good as human experts.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Can the knowledge of human experts be adequately rendered into the type of information that a computer can store?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for the Necessary Assumption question.

a) Computers can show no more originality in responding to a situation than that built into them by their designers.

This answer choice is not a necessary assumption because the argument is not concerned with the originality of computers. The focus is on the experience and intuitive responses of human experts.

b) The knowledge of human experts cannot be adequately rendered into the type of information that a computer can store.

This is the correct answer. The argument assumes that the knowledge of human experts, gained through experience, cannot be adequately translated into a form that a computer can store and utilize. If this assumption is not true, the conclusion that computerized expert systems cannot be as good as human experts would be weakened.

c) Human experts rely on information that can be expressed by rules and facts when they respond to new situations.

This answer choice is not a necessary assumption because the argument states that the knowledge of human experts is not stored within their brains in the form of rules and facts. The focus is on the intuitive responses of human experts, not on whether their knowledge can be expressed by rules and facts.

d) Future advances in computer technology will not render computers capable of sorting through greater amounts of information.

This answer choice is not a necessary assumption because the argument is not concerned with the future advances in computer technology. The focus is on the current state of computerized expert systems and their inability to be as good as human experts.

e) Human experts rely heavily on intuition while they are developing a repertory of model situations.

This answer choice is not a necessary assumption because the argument already states that human experts develop a repertory of model situations through experience, which allows for an immediate, intuitive response to each new situation. The focus is on the intuitive responses of human experts, not on how they develop their repertory of model situations.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this Necessary Assumption question is B, as it is a crucial assumption required for the argument to hold that computerized expert systems cannot be as good as human experts.