LSAT Explanation PT 40, S3, Q10: Researcher: All defects in short-term memory

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the researcher's argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that this argument 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the structure of the argument in the passage:

Premise (1): All defects in short-term memory are caused by a malfunction of the hippocampus.

Premise (2): In short-term memory, information is held for a few moments and then either stored in long-term memory or forgotten.

Premise (3): Learning is the accumulation of new information in long-term memory.

Conclusion: Whenever a child exhibits a learning deficit, the hippocampus is malfunctioning.

Now, let's think of an "Evaluate" question about the argument: "Do all learning deficits in children involve short-term memory?"

The question type for this problem is Flaw, and it asks us to identify the vulnerability in the researcher's reasoning.

Answer Choices:

a) This answer choice suggests that the researcher's conclusion is based on too small a sample of learning deficits. However, the issue is not the size of the sample, but rather the assumption that all learning deficits are related to short-term memory. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) This answer choice correctly points out the flaw in the researcher's argument. The researcher presumes, without giving justification, that all learning deficits in children involve short-term memory. This is a crucial assumption that affects the validity of the conclusion. This answer choice is correct.

c) This answer choice states that the researcher presumes short-term memory is disabled whenever the hippocampus is disabled. However, this is not the flaw in the argument. The flaw is the assumption that all learning deficits involve short-term memory. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice suggests that the researcher fails to quantify the length of time information is held in short-term memory. However, this is not relevant to the flaw in the argument. The issue is the assumption that all learning deficits involve short-term memory, not the specific duration of short-term memory. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) This answer choice brings up the comparison between learning deficits in adults and children, which is not mentioned in the passage. The flaw in the argument is the assumption that all learning deficits in children involve short-term memory, so this answer choice is irrelevant and incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B), as it identifies the flaw in the researcher's argument: the unjustified assumption that all learning deficits in children involve short-term memory.