LSAT Explanation PT 41, S3, Q13: Researcher: People with certain personality disorders

LSAT Question Stem

A questionable aspect of the reasoning above is that it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. The researcher presents the following premises:

1. People with certain personality disorders have more theta brain waves than those without such disorders.

2. The amount of one's theta brain waves increases while watching TV.

Based on these premises, the researcher concludes that watching too much TV increases one's risk of developing personality disorders.

The structure of this argument is as follows:

Premise 1: People with personality disorders have more theta brain waves.

Premise 2: Watching TV increases theta brain waves.

Conclusion: Watching too much TV increases the risk of developing personality disorders.

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question about the argument: "Does the increase in theta brain waves while watching TV directly cause personality disorders?"

The question type for this problem is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify a questionable aspect of the reasoning in the passage.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The argument does not use the phrase "personality disorders" ambiguously. It consistently refers to certain personality disorders related to an increase in theta brain waves. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) Although the passage does not define the phrase "theta brain waves," it is not necessary to do so for the argument to be understandable. The focus is on the relationship between theta brain waves and personality disorders. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) The argument does take correlation to imply a causal connection. It assumes that because watching TV increases theta brain waves and people with personality disorders have more theta brain waves, watching TV must cause personality disorders. This answer choice is correct.

d) The passage does not provide enough information to determine if the researcher's data is unrepresentative. It is possible that the researcher's data is extensive and representative. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) This answer choice reverses the argument's conclusion, suggesting that watching TV is a consequence of a personality disorder rather than a cause. The argument does not make this claim. This answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (c), as the argument takes correlation to imply a causal connection between watching TV and developing personality disorders.