On the basis of incontestable proof

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

TopicsParadox

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Stimulus

On the basis of incontestable proof that car safety seats will greatly reduce the number of serious injuries sustained by children in car accidents, laws have been passed mandating the use of these seats. Unexpectedly, it has since been found that a large number of children who are riding in safety seats the prevention of which they in fact have proven to be effective.

What this question is testing

Paradox

Your task

Break the argument into its conclusion and evidence, then do exactly what the question stem asks with that structure.

Common trap

Answers that sound relevant to the topic but don't connect to the argument's actual reasoning.

Winning move

Predict what a right answer must do, then test each choice against the conclusion-evidence gap.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question

Which one of the following, if true, could by itself adequately explain the unexpected finding reported

Answer choices

Trap1% picked this
Many parents are defying the law by not using safety seats
1%
Trap16% picked this
Children are more likely to make automobile trips now than they were before the introduction
16%
Trap0% picked this
The high cost of child safety seats has caused many parents to
0%
Trap5% picked this
The car safety seat was not designed to prevent all types of injuries, so it is not surprising
5%
Correct77% picked this
The protection afforded by child safety seats depends on their being used properly, which many
Why this is right
Answer E is correct.
Skill tested: Paradox · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.
77%

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