LSAT 4 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q4

LR Question 4 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: It is more desirable to have some form of socialized…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Socialized medicine seems to be technologically superior.

REASONING: The infant mortality rate is lower.

ANALYSIS: There are many reasons apart from technology that could explain the lower infant mortality rate in countries that have socialized medicine. Doctors could be better trained, access could be better, the system could emphasize prevention, etc.

___________

1. CORRECT. Yes. This is a plausible alternative explanation. There is no reason that lower infant mortality rates must be due to technology.
2. The stimulus is not talking about an economic system of socialism : it is talking about socialized medicine. Canada and Britain have socialized medicine without socialized economic systems. Otherwise, this answer choice is sort of on track: It is true that there is no necessary connection between socialized medicine having better results and socialized medicine having better technology.
3. How is this a flaw? The stimulus was making a conclusion about technology, not the quality of care children receive.
4. We don’t need a list. The argument is talking in general terms. On the LSAT, we assume statements are true. It would take too much space to include citations.
5. This is not an example of circular reasoning. Lowered infant mortality is good evidence that socialized medicine produces good results.

Recap: The question begins with “It is more desirable to have some form of socialized”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.