LSAT 41, Logical Reasoning I, Q12, LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Poor nutrition is at the root of the violent behavior of…

QUESTION TYPE: Strengthen

CONCLUSION: Poor nutrition is the root of violent behavior.

REASONING: In a particular institution, violent offenders consistently choose food low in nutrients. When some of them were given better diets, their behavior improved.

ANALYSIS: This sounds like a good argument. A cause is proposed (better nutrition), and an effect is observed (better behavior).

But there are lots of potential problems. Was the sample size large enough? Was this the only change? Was there a control group?

Answering yes to any of those questions will strengthen the argument.

___________

1. “Some” is very vague. It could be one, or all of the inmates. Also, how many violent crimes they committed is not relevant. What matters is that their behavior improved over the baseline.
2. This addresses whether dietary reform is the best option. The conclusion is only concerned with whether it works at all, not the cost.
3. This may seem like it strengthens the idea, but notice how vague it is: “had consumed a low nutrient food sometime in the days before”? That could mean they had a chocolate bar, once. Most people don’t commit crimes because they ate a coffee crisp.
4. “Many” could mean as little as 20%, meaning the other 80% who did eat well still committed violent crimes. This tells us nothing.
5. CORRECT. This establishes a control group, and it shows their behavior didn’t improve. Thus it’s unlikely another factor caused the change (e.g., nicer weather).

Recap: The question begins with “Poor nutrition is at the root of the violent behavior of”. It is a Strengthen question. Learn more about LSAT Strengthen questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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