Logical Reasoning

PT155 · S4 · Q7 Computer security experts correctly

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

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Computer security experts correctly maintain that computer passwords are a less secure means of protecting one’s information than are alternative security options like fingerprint scanners.

Evidence

Alternative security options [like fingerprint scanners] remain significantly more expensive to employ [compared to passwords], and they can replace passwords only if they become standard on most of the world’s computers.

Conclusion

Computer passwords are not going to be replaced by other options anytime soon.

Evaluate / Goal

The conclusion is about computer passwords not being replaced by other options.

The evidence states that other options can replace passwords only if they become standard on most computers:

replace passwords → standard

The contrapositive of this statement tells us that, if other options do not become standard on most computers, they will not replace passwords:

~standard → ~replace passwords

This is a conditional statement. It doesn't actually state that other options are not standard on most computers. If we know that they are not standard, the conclusion follows logically:

~standard → ~replace passwords ~standard Therefore, ~replace passwords

So, a correct answer might state that other security options are not standard on most computers.

There's also a second path to the conclusion. The evidence states that other options are significantly more expensive to employ. The conclusion follows logically if we assume:

Any option that is significantly more expensive will not replace passwords.

more $ → ~replace passwords

The conclusion drawn above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?

There are ways to make
Out of Scope
The argument is about replacing passwords. Making them more secure is outside the scope of this argument.
0% picked this
Any security option that is
Out of Scope
The evidence states that other options are more expensive. Options that are less expensive are outside the scope of the argument. Whether an alternative option provides less security or not is also outside the scope of this argument.
2% picked this
Most computer security experts do
Bad Evidence Match
We're looking for an answer to connect the evidence we've been given to the conclusion. The evidence is about alternative options being more expensive and not being standard on most computers. The evidence is not about what computer experts believe.
2% picked this
Correct
Security options that are significantly
Why this is right
This connects both pieces of evidence together and connects them to the conclusion. The evidence states that other security options are significantly more expensive. more $ This answer states that more expensive options will not become standard on most computers. more $ → ~standard The evidence already states that, if other options do not become standard on most computers, they will not replace passwords. ~standard → ~replace This allows us to conclude that these other options will not replace passwords. ~replace
Skill tested: Sufficient Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.
91% picked this
As soon as a security
Bad Conclusion Match
This statement would supports the conclusion that computer passwords will be replaced. We want an assumption which supports the opposite conclusion.
5% picked this

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