LSAT Explanation PT 42, S4, Q16: Psychologist: The obligation to express gratitude

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the psychologist's argument by the claim that the obligation to express gratitude cannot be fulfilled anonymously? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is an Argument Part (AP) question type, which asks us to identify the role played by a particular statement within the psychologist's argument. In this case, we need to determine the role of the claim that the obligation to express gratitude cannot be fulfilled anonymously.

Before discussing the answer choices, let's break down the structure of the psychologist's argument:

1. Premise: Human psychology is still driven primarily by personal interaction.

2. Subconclusion/Premise: The important social function of positively reinforcing behaviors that have beneficial consequences for others can be served only if the benefactor knows the source of the gratitude.

3. Main Conclusion: The obligation to express gratitude cannot be fulfilled anonymously.

Now, let's evaluate the answer choices:

a) The statement in question is not an illustration of a premise used to support the argument's conclusion. It is actually the main conclusion itself.

b) The statement is not used to counter a consideration that might undermine the argument's conclusion. This answer choice would better describe the second sentence of the argument.

c) This answer choice describes a premise supporting a subconclusion. Again, this would better describe the second sentence of the argument.

d) The statement does not identify the social benefit with which the argument is concerned. This answer choice better describes the last sentence.

e) The statement is the conclusion that the argument is intended to support. This is the correct answer.

Thus, the correct answer choice is (E). By consistently breaking down the structure of the argument before reading the answer choices, these problems become much easier to solve.