LSAT Explanation PT 40, S1, Q21: Pizzerias are the only restaurants that
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following, if assumed, enables the argument's conclusion to be properly inferred?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Sufficient Assumption question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is E.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that pizzerias are the only restaurants that routinely record customer information, such as names, addresses, and menu selections. By organizing this data, they can easily identify different types of customers (regular, average, and infrequent). The conclusion of the argument is that pizzerias utilize direct-mail marketing more effectively than other restaurants.
In this argument, the premise is that pizzerias record and organize customer information, while the conclusion is that pizzerias utilize direct-mail marketing more effectively.
To make the information more relatable, think of it like this: Imagine a store that sells books and always keeps track of what books their customers buy, along with their contact information. This store could then use that information to send personalized recommendations and offers to their customers, making their marketing more effective than a store that doesn't keep track of customer purchases.
Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does having the ability to identify regular, average, and infrequent customers directly lead to more effective direct-mail marketing for restaurants?"
The question type for this problem is a Sufficient Assumption, which means we need to find the answer choice that, if assumed, enables the argument's conclusion to be properly inferred.
Answer choice (a): This choice talks about other restaurants, but the conclusion is about pizzerias. We need an answer that connects the premise (recording customer information) to the conclusion (better direct-mail marketing).
Answer choice (b): This choice does not address the effectiveness of direct-mail marketing, which is the main point of the conclusion. We need an answer that connects the premise to the conclusion.
Answer choice (c): This choice also does not address the effectiveness of direct-mail marketing. We need an answer that connects the premise to the conclusion.
Answer choice (d): This choice talks about the benefits of direct-mail marketing, but it does not connect the premise (recording customer information) to the conclusion (better direct-mail marketing).
Answer choice (e): This is the correct answer choice. It connects the premise (recording customer information) to the conclusion (better direct-mail marketing) by stating that restaurants that routinely record customer information always utilize direct-mail marketing more effectively than other restaurants.