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Difficulty: HardFlaw in the Reasoning

Neuroscientist: Long-term spatial memory consolidation requires the synchronized firing of hippocampal place cells during slow-wave sleep. Recent clinical trials demonstrated that administering compound X to sleep-deprived subjects successfully triggered the exact synchronized firing pattern of hippocampal place cells typically observed during slow-wave sleep. Therefore, administering compound X will ensure that these sleep-deprived individuals successfully consolidate their long-term spatial memories.

Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the neuroscientist's reasoning?

  1. A
    It relies on the unstated assumption that slow-wave sleep serves no biological function other than spatial memory consolidation.
  2. B
    It rejects the empirical finding that compound X induced synchronized neuronal firing in trial subjects.
  3. It treats a factor that is required for spatial memory consolidation as though it alone guarantees that consolidation will occur.Answer
  4. D
    It concludes that sleep deprivation invariably prevents any form of long-term memory formation in all organisms.
  5. E
    It confuses the intermediate finding regarding cellular synchronization with the ultimate conclusion of the argument.

Answer

The argument is flawed because it treats a necessary condition for memory consolidation as a sufficient condition to guarantee that consolidation.
The correct answer accurately identifies the argument's core logical fallacy: the neuroscientist establishes that synchronized hippocampal firing is necessary for memory consolidation, but erroneously concludes that inducing this firing pattern is sufficient to guarantee consolidation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the premises and conclusion of the argument.
Premise 1 states that spatial memory consolidation requires synchronized hippocampal firing. Premise 2 states that compound X induces this synchronized firing. The conclusion asserts that compound X will ensure spatial memory consolidation.
Deconstructing the argument into premises and conclusions reveals its underlying logical framework.
2
Analyze the logical relationship between the stated conditions.
The word 'requires' establishes synchronized hippocampal firing as a necessary condition (Consolidation implies Synchronized Firing). The conclusion treats inducing synchronized firing as sufficient for consolidation (Synchronized Firing implies Consolidation).
Evaluating conditional relationships exposes the illicit reversal from necessary to sufficient.
3
Select the option that precisely describes this conditional error.
The statement describing the error of treating a required condition as a guaranteeing condition captures this exact logical vulnerability.
Matching the structural breakdown to the correct descriptive answer choice identifies the core flaw.

Key Concept

Necessary vs. Sufficient Condition Confusion
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Flaw in the Reasoning

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