Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Researchers compared people doing cardio versus lifting weights; after a stressful math test, the cardio group was less physically stressed, leading researchers to credit aerobic exercise for stress management.

Conclusion: Aerobic exercise is effective at assisting the body in managing psychological stress.

Reasoning: In a study, participants in aerobics classes showed lower physical stress symptoms after a difficult math task compared to those in weight-training classes.

Analysis: The argument jumps from a correlation (the aerobics group had fewer symptoms) to a causal claim (aerobics caused the improvement). To make this stick, we must assume that the groups were comparable from the start. If the aerobics group was naturally more relaxed or better at math before the experiment even began, the results wouldn't necessarily prove anything about the exercise itself. Look for an answer that ensures the two groups didn't have pre-existing differences in their stress responses.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

21.

Which one of the following is an assumption the argument requires?

Correct Answer
E
E is required because it guarantees the aerobics group had more total aerobic exposure than the weight-training group during the study. Negation test: if it’s false—if the aerobics group did not get more aerobic exercise overall (i.e., they got the same or less)—then we cannot reasonably credit their lower post-task stress to aerobics at all, so the claim of “good evidence” collapses.
Upgrade Your Prep

Ready to go beyond free explanations?

LSAT Perfection is the #1 modern LSAT prep platform, trusted by thousands of students for comprehensive test strategies, advanced drilling, and full analytics on every PrepTest.

Detailed explanations for 59 PrepTests
Advanced drillset builder
Personalized analytics
Built-in Wrong Answer Journal
Explore Perfection Plus for full LSAT prep