LSAT Explanation PT 42, S2, Q8: Larew: People in the lowest income

LSAT Question Stem

Larew and Mendota disagree about whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument presented in the passage. Larew and Mendota are discussing the changes in economic prosperity for the lowest and highest income quintiles over the last ten years. Larew argues that the lowest income quintile experienced a greater increase in economic prosperity because their average income increased by a higher percentage. This is Larew's conclusion. Mendota disagrees, stating that the absolute amount of the increase in average income was higher for the highest quintile. This is Mendota's counterpoint.

To better understand this argument, let's consider a simple example. Suppose a person in the lowest quintile had an income of $10,000 ten years ago and now has an income of $15,000. This is a 50% increase in their income. On the other hand, a person in the highest quintile had an income of $500,000 ten years ago and now has an income of $550,000, which is a 10% increase. While the percentage increase is higher for the person in the lowest quintile, the actual amount of increase is higher for the person in the highest quintile ($5,000 vs. $50,000).

The question type for this problem is Point at Issue, which means we need to identify the point on which Larew and Mendota disagree.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) Larew and Mendota disagree about whether the change in the economic prosperity of the lowest income quintile relative to the highest is accurately measured by comparing their percentage changes in average income. This answer choice correctly identifies the point of disagreement between Larew and Mendota and is the correct answer.

b) Larew and Mendota do not specifically discuss whether the change in the economic prosperity of the lowest income quintile is more accurately measured in terms relative to the highest income quintile than in terms relative only to the lowest income quintile. While this answer choice may seem tempting, it does not accurately capture the point of disagreement between the two.

c) Larew and Mendota do not disagree about whether the changes in the average income of people in the lowest quintile should ever be compared to changes in the average income of people in the highest quintile. Both parties are comparing the two groups, but they have different perspectives on the significance of the comparison.

d) Neither Larew nor Mendota disputes that there were improvements in the economic situation of those in the lowest income quintile during the ten years being considered. Their disagreement is about the relative significance of the improvements compared to those in the highest quintile.

e) Larew and Mendota do not disagree about whether the average income of people in the lowest quintile increased by a greater percentage over the last decade than did that of people in the highest quintile. In fact, both parties acknowledge this fact; their disagreement lies in how this fact should be interpreted in terms of economic prosperity.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (a), as it accurately identifies the point of disagreement between Larew and Mendota regarding the measurement of changes in economic prosperity for the lowest and highest income quintiles.