LSAT 4 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Zelda: Dr. Ladlow, a research psychologist, has convincingly…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Anson concludes that Ladlow is irresponsible.

REASONING: Ladlow’s evidence cannot definitively prove his theory correct. Responsible psychiatrists know that there is always a chance new theories will prove them incorrect.

ANALYSIS: Anson makes a good argument. Scientific theories can never be “irrefutably” proven correct.

Anson’s method of arguing against Ladlow is by using a general idea of science – a general principle.

___________

1. This is tempting, because Anson claims Ladlow is not a responsible psychologist. Yet that is not a character attack: Anson means it in a technical sense. A responsible psychologist needs to recognize that they could be wrong.
2. CORRECT. Yes. The general principle is that scientific theories are fallible. There is always a chance that they will be proven wrong.
3. No ambiguous term here. Everything is clear and used in the same sense.
4. No. He didn’t dispute Ladlow’s evidence, which was that Ladlow’s predictions were accurate.
5. Anson didn’t claim Ladlow’s theory was wrong and should be rejected. He said Ladlow must recognize that his theory could be wrong.

Recap: The question begins with “Zelda: Dr Ladlow, a research psychologist, has convincingly”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.