LSAT 155 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q23

LR Question 23 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Researcher: Consumption of turmeric, a basic ingredient…

QUESTION TYPE: Strengthen

CONCLUSION: Consumption of turmeric probably slows cognitive decline.

REASONING: Our research team analyzed a database and found that those who ate curries regularly scored higher on cognitive-function tests than those who rarely or never ate curries. This was most true for the elderly Singapore residents of Indian ethnicity.

ANALYSIS: When looking at this argument, notice that the last sentence is not really used for anything. Curry-eaters scored higher, curry-eaters of Indian ethnicity scored highest. It would strengthen the argument if there was a way to use this to further illustrate the point.

You probably noticed some flaws in the argument as well. For example, the researcher attributes the effect to turmeric even though that’s only one ingredient. Secondly, this is a classic case of correlation and causation. Maybe people who have better cognitive function are more attracted to curry – it’s hard to say that one certainly causes the other.

The correct answer will probably either address a flaw or use the Indian curry-eaters to strengthen the logic.

___________

1. This doesn’t change or reframe the evidence in a meaningful way. It doesn’t make us more certain that curry has an effect than the argument itself.
2. This weakens the argument by using one of the flaws we listed above. That doesn’t strengthen the conclusion.
3. This may be true, but it doesn’t help the conclusion. We want to draw a stronger line between curry (especially turmeric) and cognitive health.
4. This doesn’t help the argument or weaken it. We’re comparing Singaporeans to Singaporeans, it doesn’t matter what others eat.
5. CORRECT. If Indian curries contain more turmeric, and Indian curry-eaters scored higher, it strengthens the correlation.

Recap: The question begins with “Researcher: Consumption of turmeric, a basic ingredient”. It is a Strengthen question. Learn how to master LSAT Strengthen questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.