LSAT 106 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q16

LR Question 16 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Private industry is trying to attract skilled research…

QUESTION TYPE: Necessary Assumption

CONCLUSION: The government is likely to lose most of its scientists unless they are motivated by public duty.

REASONING: Private industry has been paying scientists more.

ANALYSIS: There can be other reasons to stay with a job apart from salary and a sense of duty. Longer vacations, perks, prestige, etc. could all provide personal benefits to staying with the government.

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1. Actually, the argument is probably assuming that government scientists are just as likely to receive acknowledgement for their successes. That would explain why the private sector wants to steal them away.
2. There could be some highly paid government scientists. The argument is talking about average salaries.
3. It doesn’t matter how large a single company’s workforce is. The argument is making a comparison about average salaries, not how many people currently work in each sector.
4. CORRECT. There can be other reasons to stick with a job, apart from public duty. Prestige, vacations, etc. can all motivate people to accept a lower salary.
5. This would weaken the argument if true. Long hours in the private sector might persuade scientists to stay with the government.

Recap: The question begins with “Private industry is trying to attract skilled research”. It is a Necessary Assumption question. Learn more about LSAT Necessary questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.