LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q7: Increases in the occurrence of hearing

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, which means we need to find the answer choice that provides additional support for the argument presented in the passage.

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The passage states that hearing loss among teenagers is increasing due to their listening to loud music through stereo headphones. A group of concerned parents suggests that manufacturers include headphones that automatically turn off at dangerous loudness levels. However, the passage concludes that this recommendation would not significantly reduce hearing loss in teenagers since they buy their headphones themselves.

The argument's structure consists of the following:

- Premise: Hearing loss in teenagers is increasing due to loud music through headphones.

- Premise: Teenagers buy their headphones themselves.

- Conclusion: The recommendation to include volume control in headphones would not significantly reduce hearing loss in teenagers.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do teenagers prioritize volume control when purchasing headphones?"

Now let's analyze the answer choices:

a) If loud music is most dangerous through stereo headphones, it does not necessarily strengthen the argument that teenagers will not buy volume-controlled headphones. This choice does not provide additional support for the conclusion.

b) Even if no other cause of hearing loss is as damaging as listening to loud music through stereo headphones, it does not show that teenagers will continue to buy unsafe headphones. This choice is irrelevant to the argument.

c) The fact that parents do not tend to listen to loud music through headphones does not strengthen the argument that teenagers would avoid volume control. This choice is incorrect.

d) This is the correct answer choice. If teenagers choose to listen to music at dangerously loud levels despite being aware of the risks, they would likely not purchase volume-controlled headphones, thus supporting the conclusion that the recommendation would not significantly reduce hearing loss in teenagers.

e) The fact that a few headphone manufacturers already plan to market volume-controlled headphones is irrelevant to the argument in the passage, as it does not provide additional support for the conclusion that teenagers would not buy these headphones.

In summary, the correct answer choice is (D), as it strengthens the argument that the recommendation to include volume control in headphones would not significantly reduce hearing loss in teenagers.