LSAT Explanation PT 44, S4, Q14: Scientists hypothesize that a particular type

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most supports the scientists' hypothesis? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The conclusion is that scientists hypothesize that P-fat is necessary for eyesight development. This is based on two premises: (1) babies fed formulas low in P-fat have worse eyesight than those fed mother's milk with high P-fat content, and (2) babies born five to six weeks premature tend to have worse eyesight than babies carried to term. The structure of the argument is that the evidence from the two premises leads to the conclusion that P-fat is necessary for eyesight development.

To make this more relatable, let's use a simple example. Imagine that we observe that plants watered with a special nutrient-rich water grow taller than plants watered with regular water. We also notice that plants that receive sunlight for fewer hours per day grow shorter than those that receive more sunlight. Based on these observations, we might hypothesize that the special nutrient-rich water is necessary for the plants to grow tall.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there any other factor that could explain the difference in eyesight development between babies fed different diets or born at different times?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for the question, which asks us to find the statement that most supports the scientists' hypothesis.

a) Adults whose diets lack P-fat tend to have worse eyesight than those whose diets are high in P-fat.

- This answer choice does not directly support the hypothesis about P-fat being necessary for eyesight development in babies. It only shows a correlation between P-fat and eyesight in adults.

b) A fetus typically receives high levels of P-fat from the mother during only the last four weeks of pregnancy.

- This is the correct answer choice. It suggests that premature babies may have worse eyesight because they missed out on receiving P-fat during the final weeks of pregnancy, thus strengthening the hypothesis that P-fat is necessary for eyesight development.

c) Babies whose mothers have poor eyesight do not tend to have poor eyesight themselves.

- This answer choice does not directly support the hypothesis. It only eliminates genetics as a possible explanation for poor eyesight, but it does not strengthen the claim that P-fat is necessary for eyesight development.

d) Babies generally prefer mother's milk to formulas low in P-fat.

- This answer choice is not relevant to the hypothesis, as it does not establish any connection between P-fat and eyesight development.

e) The eyesight of a fetus develops during the last trimester of pregnancy.

- This answer choice does not strengthen the scientists' hypothesis. It only strengthens the link between premature birth and poor eyesight, but it does not provide any additional support for the necessity of P-fat in eyesight development.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (b), as it provides the most support for the scientists' hypothesis that P-fat is necessary for eyesight development.