LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q12: Experts hired to testify in court

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most closely conforms to the principle illustrated by the passage above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT), and we are asked to find a scenario that most closely conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage.

First, let's analyze the passage. It states that experts hired to testify in court need to know how to present convincingly. Juries evaluate these experts based on their ability to clearly and confidently present their conclusions. As a result, some less expert authorities who are skilled at producing convincing testimony are chosen over highly knowledgeable but less persuasive experts. In simpler terms, sometimes persuasiveness is more important than knowledge when selecting an expert to testify in court.

Now, let's look at the answer choices and see which one most closely conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage:

a) Successful politicians are not always the ones who best understand how to help their country. Some lack insight into important political issues but are highly skilled at conducting an election campaign.

- This answer choice is correct. It presents a situation where persuasiveness (in conducting an election campaign) is more important than knowledge (insight into important political issues) in determining success. This aligns with the principle illustrated in the passage.

b) Trial lawyers often use the techniques employed by actors to influence the emotions of jurors. Many lawyers have studied drama expressly for the purpose of improving their courtroom skills.

- This answer choice may seem slightly attractive because it involves persuasiveness. However, it does not involve a contrast to any other criterion, so it is not a perfect match to the principle illustrated in the passage.

c) The opera singer with the best voice is the appropriate choice even for minor roles, despite the fact that an audience may be more affected by a singer with greater dramatic ability but a lesser voice.

- This choice is opposite to the principle illustrated in the passage, as it involves selecting someone based on their merit (voice) and disregarding public perception (dramatic ability).

d) It is often best to try to train children with gentle reinforcement of desired behavior, rather than by simply telling them what to do and what not to do. This results in children who behave because they want to, not because they feel compelled.

- This answer choice is not related to the principle in the passage, as it does not concern persuasion or selection criteria.

e) Job applicants are usually hired because their skills and training best meet a recognized set of qualifications. Only rarely is a prospective employer convinced to tailor a position to suit the skills of a particular applicant.

- This answer choice focuses on fitting the person to the job rather than vice versa, which is different from the principle in the passage, which is more focused on selection criteria based on persuasiveness vs. knowledge.

So, the correct answer choice is (a), as it most closely conforms to the principle illustrated in the passage.