LSAT Explanation PT 40, S3, Q26: The number of applications for admission

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, weakens the argument EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Weaken, and specifically, it's a Weaken Except question. The passage presents an argument that interest among recent North American college and university graduates in choosing art history as a career has declined in the last four years. The premise supporting this conclusion is that the number of applications for admission reported by North American Ph.D. programs in art history has declined in each of the last four years.

To help you understand the argument, consider a simple example: imagine a small town with only one ice cream shop. If the number of customers visiting the ice cream shop has declined in the last four years, the shop owner might conclude that people in the town have lost interest in ice cream. However, this conclusion could be weakened if there are other factors at play, like more people making ice cream at home or another ice cream shop opening nearby.

Now, let's move on to the Evaluate question: "Is the decline in applications for admission to North American Ph.D. programs in art history solely due to a decline in interest among recent North American college and university graduates in choosing art history as a career?"

The correct answer to a Weaken Except question will not undermine the argument's conclusion or the relationship between the premises and the conclusion. Let's discuss each answer choice:

a) This answer weakens the argument by suggesting that the decline in applications might not be due to a decline in interest, but rather a decline in the number of programs reporting data.

b) This is the correct answer choice. The fact that the average age of applicants has increased does not weaken the argument that interest in art history as a career has decreased among recent graduates.

c) This answer weakens the argument by suggesting that the data on applications might be inaccurate, and therefore, may not accurately represent a decline in interest.

d) This answer weakens the argument by suggesting that people might still be interested in pursuing art history as a career, but they no longer need a Ph.D. to attain a job in that field.

e) This answer weakens the argument by suggesting that the decline in applications might be due to a decreased interest among foreign students, not necessarily a decline in interest among recent North American graduates.

In summary, answer choice (b) does not weaken the argument and is the correct answer. The other answer choices all weaken the argument by either questioning the accuracy of the data, suggesting alternative reasons for the decline in applications, or pointing out that the conclusion might not be applicable to the specific group of interest (recent North American graduates).