Below are four distinct arguments that conclude a causal relationship based on observed evidence. For each argument, identify the specific logical gap it leaves open by matching it to the core assumption necessary to bridge that gap.
- Data collected from smartphone users reveals a strong positive correlation between the daily use of dietary tracking apps and clinical anxiety. Psychologists hypothesize that the constant pressure to log meals directly generates psychological distress.Presumes that the direction of causality is not reversed, wherein the observed outcome actually prompted the initial behavior.
- A manufacturing plant saw its total weekly output surge by 20 percent in the months following a major upgrade to its ventilation system. Management credits the superior air quality for this dramatic boost in worker productivity.Takes for granted that no alternative, simultaneous intervention or change in circumstance is responsible for the performance increase.
- Since a corporation instituted a zero-tolerance penalty for workplace incivility, the total volume of complaints filed with human resources has fallen by half. Executives assert that the new rule has effectively fostered a more polite workforce.Takes for granted that a reduction in recorded instances accurately signifies a decrease in actual occurrences, rather than a reluctance to come forward.
- Urban areas boasting a high concentration of artisanal coffee shops also exhibit a much higher rate of software patents registered per capita. Urban planners deduce that the culture of frequenting these shops stimulates technological innovation.Presumes that the two concurrent trends are not both byproducts of an independent, overarching demographic or economic variable.
Answer
Smartphone data pairs with Reversed causality; Manufacturing plant pairs with Alternative simultaneous intervention; Corporation policy pairs with Reluctance to come forward; Urban areas pairs with Overarching demographic variable.
Each argument represents a distinct manifestation of causal reasoning on the LSAT, requiring a specific assumption type to be valid. The smartphone argument assumes causality isn't reversed. The plant argument assumes no alternate, simultaneous event occurred. The corporate policy argument assumes the reporting metric reliably reflects reality. The urban area argument assumes a common third cause isn't responsible for both trends.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the specific type of unstated assumption required to validate a causal argument, such as ruling out reverse causation, alternate causes, data unreliability, or common third variables.