LSAT 158 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q20

LR Question 20 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: A research psychologist used a personality test to …

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox – EXCEPT

PARADOX: Repressors ignore negative emotions, while sensitizers feel them. Yet a study found that repressors have better social, academic, and personality outcomes.

ANALYSIS: This is an EXCEPT question, so four answers should help explain the pattern, and one won’t.

Just to be clear on what needs explaining: repressors have better outcomes.

The quickest thing here is to scan each answer and ask: does this help explain why they have those advantages? Four of the answers will show how repressors behave in ways that would naturally lead to better outcomes.

One answer won’t help you explain this. That’s the correct one.

___________

1. This helps explain why repressors have better grades.
2. Also helps. Less alienation = better social skills.
3. Also helps. More rewards reinforce behaviors that lead to success.
4. CORRECT. This explains why repression continues, not why repressors have better outcomes.
5. Helps. Focusing on success factors (instead of difficulties) leads to better results.