Logical Reasoning

PT102 · S2 · Q1 Psychiatrist: We are learning that

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

  • Save & drill this skill build targeted practice sets from questions like this one

  • Video walkthroughs watch every question solved step by step

  • 81 official LSATs as questions, timed sections & full-length tests

Psychiatrist: We are learning that neurochemical imbalances can cause behavior ranging from extreme mental illness to less serious but irritating behavior such as obsessive fantasizing, petulance, or embarrassment.

Conclusion

Learning that neurochemical imbalances can cause a wide range of behavior will promote compassion and tolerance when looking at a mental illness, quirk, or mere difference between two persons.

Evidence (since)

Being mentally healthy can now being to be seen as simply having the same neurochemical balances as most people.

Evaluate

Whenever we do Main Conclusion or Role, we remind ourselves that the Conclusion is earlier than the supporting premises 90% of the time.

Specifically, the conclusion is usually found in these two places: - the first sentence (if it's the author's opinion) - attached to a pivot word / rebuttal statement

In this case, does the first sentence sound like an opinion the author will defend?

Not really. It sounds more like a factual statement about where we're at in brain science. The author doesn't try to support the idea that . Supporting that claim would involve citing some of the research that has offered us those takeaways.

Instead, the author is just announcing those recent science findings as a factual starting point.

The 2nd claim is an Opinion, since it's about the future. Predictions are by definition opinions, and our author is predicting that as more people learn these scientific findings, we will be more compassionate and tolerant in how we think about mental illness or mental quirks.

We can tell that the author is supporting this claim, because it's followed up by a Support Indicator (FABS = for, after all, because, since).

Goal

Once we've correctly identified the conclusion, the hard part should be over. We just need to find the best meaning match for the 2nd claim: .

1.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the psychiatrist’s argument?

  1. Correct

    Understanding the role of the

    Why this is right

    This is our best match for the second claim, "These findings will promote compassion and tolerance". "These findings" = the learning we've been doing that neurochemical imbalances can cause a wide range of behavior. This answer alludes to that as "understanding the role of the neurochemical in behavior". "will promote compassion and tolerance" matches up with "will foster empathy toward others".

    Skill tested: Main Conclusion · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    82% picked this

  2. Neurochemical imbalances can cause mental

    Background Fact

    This matches the meaning of the first sentence, but our Conclusion is the 2nd claim (the first half of the 2nd sentence).

    6% picked this

  3. Neurochemical balances and imbalances are

    Unstated: main determinants

    Not only does this not match the meaning of the 2nd claim at all, it's not even something that was said in the paragraph, so it can't be our conclusion.

    1% picked this

  4. Being mentally healthy is a

    Premise

    This matches the 3rd claim, which is a premise, signified by the Support Indicator "since".

    8% picked this

  5. Advances in neurochemistry enhance our

    Unstated: enhance our theories

    This not match the meaning of the 2nd claim at all, which says that "advances in neurochemistry will enhance our compassion and tolerance towards those with mental illness or quirks". The idea of "enhancing our theories" was never talked about in the paragraph, so it can't be our conclusion.

    2% picked this

Continue the review in LSAT Lab

Save this question, watch the video walkthrough, and drill similar questions in your LSAT Lab account.

LSAT Lab

Turn this review into a targeted study plan.

Save this question, drill more like it, watch the video walkthrough, and track your progress in your LSAT Lab account.

Start practicing free