Examkin

Soru

Zorluk: KolayWeaken

Nutritionist: A recent study observed that households that regularly consume fermented tea report 40 percent fewer seasonal respiratory infections than households that do not consume fermented tea. The beverage contains high concentrations of antioxidants, which support immune function. Therefore, regular consumption of fermented tea directly reduces the likelihood of developing seasonal respiratory infections.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the nutritionist's argument?

  1. A
    Laboratory trials demonstrate that the specific antioxidants present in fermented tea inhibit viral replication in human respiratory cells.
  2. B
    Commercial brands of fermented tea contain negligible concentrations of antioxidants compared to unfermented green tea.
  3. Households that regularly consume fermented tea are significantly more likely to engage in regular exercise and follow hygienic practices than households that do not.Cevap
  4. D
    Every household that completely avoids drinking fermented tea experiences at least three severe respiratory infections each year.
  5. E
    Fermented tea requires specialized bottling equipment and fermentation starters that are prohibitively expensive for most small retailers.

Cevap

Households that regularly consume fermented tea are significantly more likely to engage in regular exercise and follow hygienic practices than households that do not.
The correct response points out that households drinking fermented tea also practice other health-promoting behaviors, such as regular exercise and good hygiene. This provides an alternative explanation for their lower infection rate, demonstrating that the observed benefit may be due to general lifestyle factors rather than the fermented tea itself.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Identify the premises and conclusion of the stimulus.
Premise: Fermented tea drinkers report 40% fewer respiratory infections and the tea has antioxidants. Conclusion: Drinking fermented tea directly causes a reduced likelihood of infection.
Isolating the core argument reveals the gap between an observed correlation and a direct causal claim.
2
Identify the underlying logical assumption.
The author assumes there is no confounding variable or alternative explanation accounting for the difference in infection rates between the two groups.
Causal arguments on the LSAT frequently assume that correlation implies causation and that other causative factors are absent.
3
Evaluate the answer choices for a statement that undermines this assumption.
The choice showing that fermented tea consumers also engage in more exercise and better hygiene provides a plausible alternative cause for their fewer infections.
Demonstrating a third variable that accounts for the observed effect severs the direct causal link asserted in the conclusion.

Anahtar Kavram

Alternative Explanations in Causal Reasoning
Bu soruyu puanla

Konular

Weaken

Bu konudan daha fazla soru