Flawed ReasoningDiff: Hard
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Scientists found a link between a specific chromosome problem and schizophrenia, but the author claims it can't be a cause because the link isn't perfect—not everyone with the problem gets sick, and some sick people don't have the problem.
Conclusion: There is no causal link between damage to chromosome number six and adult schizophrenia.
Reasoning: The author points out that some people with the damage do not have the condition, and some people with the condition do not have the damage.
Analysis: The author is making a classic LSAT error by assuming that a cause must be both necessary and sufficient. Just because a factor doesn't always produce an effect, or isn't the only way to produce it, doesn't mean it isn't a cause. In the real world, many causes are 'contributing factors' rather than absolute triggers. Look for an answer that describes this failure to distinguish between a factor that is always present and a factor that simply increases the likelihood of an outcome.
Conclusion: There is no causal link between damage to chromosome number six and adult schizophrenia.
Reasoning: The author points out that some people with the damage do not have the condition, and some people with the condition do not have the damage.
Analysis: The author is making a classic LSAT error by assuming that a cause must be both necessary and sufficient. Just because a factor doesn't always produce an effect, or isn't the only way to produce it, doesn't mean it isn't a cause. In the real world, many causes are 'contributing factors' rather than absolute triggers. Look for an answer that describes this failure to distinguish between a factor that is always present and a factor that simply increases the likelihood of an outcome.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage11.Which one of the following most accurately describes a reasoning flaw in the argument above?
Correct Answer
A
A pinpoints the flaw: the argument ignores that some but not all types of chromosome-6 damage (or damage under certain conditions) could cause schizophrenia. Exceptions do not eliminate a causal link.
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