LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q24: Psychologist: Some psychologists mistakenly argue that
LSAT Question Stem
The claim that dream content varies enormously plays which one of the following roles in the argument?
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 presents an argument made by a psychologist who disputes the idea that dreams can be fully understood in terms of their physiological function, as suggested by some anti-Freudian psychologists. The question asks us to identify the role played by the claim that dream content varies enormously in this argument. This is an Argument Part question, which requires us to analyze the role of a specific statement within the argument's logical structure.
Let's analyze each answer choice in detail:
Answer choice (A): The claim is not used to support any anti-Freudian conclusion. In fact, the psychologist appears to be defending Freud's view, disputing those with anti-Freudian views. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This choice might seem attractive, but it is incorrect because it refers to an "explicitly stated conclusion." The psychologist does imply that a fully satisfactory account of dreams might allow for psychological considerations, but this conclusion is not explicitly stated. Therefore, this answer choice is not correct.
Answer choice (C): The psychologist does not make the claim that neither Freud's theory nor the theory of anti-Freudian psychologists can completely explain the phenomenon of dreaming. Instead, the psychologist only argues that dreams cannot be completely understood in terms of physiological function. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): The stimulus is not meant to illustrate the general difficulties of completely explaining dreaming. Rather, it is meant to argue that dreams cannot be completely understood in terms of physiological function. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice. The claim that dream content varies enormously is used as a premise to support the psychologist's conclusion, and it serves to undermine the opposing claim made by some psychologists who argue against Freud's view. The claim shows that there is more to dreams than just physiological function, as the variation in dream content suggests that there might be significant information about the dreamer that cannot be explained by electrical discharges alone.