LSAT 117 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Statistics indicating a sudden increase …

QUESTION TYPE: Principle – Conform

CONCLUSION: We should be cautious about proposals for radical solutions when they are reactions to new stats.

REASONING: A sudden increase in stats often doesn’t reflect an actual worsening of the problem. Instead, it may simply reflect better awareness of the problem or improved methods of recording it.

ANALYSIS: Think about something like mental illnesses. Before, we didn’t properly understand them, have proper diagnoses, or record it fully.

So, if you just compared the statistics of mental health from today compared to the 1800s, you might freak out! Suddenly, so many people have mental illnesses, and we need a radical solution.

But what this argument is saying is, no. It doesn’t actually mean there’s suddenly way worse mental illness issues. We just have better ways of recording it.

___________

1. CORRECT. The stimulus says that an increase may simply reflect better cognizance (awareness) of a problem. If all that’s changed is our awareness, then that alone does not warrant a radical solution.
2. This is a trap. The author isn’t questioning whether the problem exists at all. The problem may very well exist. The issue is whether it’s actually increased or merely appears to have increased because of better awareness.
3. The author says the opposite. The whole point is to avoid relying solely on statistics
4. The argument never alleges manipulation or dishonesty.
5. There’s no discussion of potential harms of radical solutions themselves.