LSAT Explanation PT 39, S2, Q13: Jenkins: Research on the properties of

LSAT Question Stem

The dialogue lends the most support to the claim that Jenkins and Lurano disagree on whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this dialogue, we have two speakers, Jenkins and Lurano, discussing the best time to conduct research on the properties of snow at the North Pole. The question type for this problem is Point At Issue or Disagree. Let's analyze their arguments and label each part as either a premise or a conclusion.

Jenkins' Argument:

- Premise: Research on the properties of snow at the North Pole should be conducted in January and February.

- Premise: The weather is cold enough in January and February to ensure that the snow will not melt.

- Conclusion: It is important that research money not be wasted; if we wait until a later month, we risk sending researchers when they will be unable to carry out research successfully.

Lurano's Argument:

- Premise: The weather will likely still be quite cold in April and May.

- Conclusion: By going later, researchers run less risk of suffering dangerous exposure to the cold.

Now let's discuss each answer choice:

a) There is a possibility of snow melting at the North Pole during April and May.

- Both speakers would likely agree with this point, so it fails the Agree/Disagree Test.

b) It is impossible to investigate the properties of snow at the North Pole later than February.

- Both speakers would likely disagree with this point, so it too fails the Agree/Disagree Test.

c) Funding will be wasted if research on snow is carried out at the North Pole later than February.

- Neither speaker’s opinion on whether funding will be wasted if researchers are sent after February can be known. Jenkins simply states that the risk of wasting money increases, while Lurano does not make any absolute claims regarding funding.

d) The temperatures at the North Pole in January and February are lower than are the temperatures in April and May.

- Both speakers would agree with this answer choice, so it fails the Agree/Disagree Test.

e) Research funding considerations outweigh the risk to researchers posed by the temperatures at the North Pole in January and February.

- This is the correct answer choice. Jenkins would say that funding does outweigh the risks to researchers (hence we should send them in January or February), while Lurano believes that safety is more important than the risk of wasted money (hence we should send researchers when it is warmer).