LSAT Explanation PT 19, S4, Q4: In order to increase production, ABC

LSAT Question Stem

The argument depends on the assumption that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that ABC Company should implement a flextime schedule to increase production because studies have shown that working under flextime schedules is associated with increased employee morale. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Studies have shown that working under flextime schedules is associated with increased employee morale.

Conclusion: ABC Company should implement a flextime schedule to increase production.

Now, let's create a simple example to help understand the argument. Imagine a small bakery that wants to increase the number of cakes it produces. The bakery owner learns that allowing employees to choose their own work hours (a flextime schedule) is associated with happier employees. Based on this information, the bakery owner concludes that implementing a flextime schedule will help increase cake production.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there a direct relationship between increased employee morale and increased production?"

The question type of this problem is Necessary Assumption, which means we need to find the assumption that must be true for the argument to be valid.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The argument doesn't need to assume that employees who prefer a flextime schedule are the most productive employees at ABC Company. Even if they are not the most productive, implementing a flextime schedule could still increase morale and potentially increase production.

b) This is the correct answer. The argument depends on the assumption that an increase in the morale of ABC Company's employees could lead to increased production. Without this assumption, there would be no reason to believe that implementing a flextime schedule would help increase production.

c) While flextime schedules might be associated with reduced lateness and absenteeism, this assumption is not necessary for the argument to be valid. It is possible that increased production could result from increased morale even without a reduction in lateness and absenteeism.

d) This answer choice is not necessary and could potentially weaken the argument. If employees are most productive when all employees are present, then a flextime schedule might not be the best solution for increasing production. The argument doesn't need to assume this.

e) The argument doesn't need to assume anything about other companies that are in competition with ABC Company. Whether or not these companies use a flextime schedule is irrelevant to the argument about whether implementing a flextime schedule would increase production at ABC Company.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as the argument depends on the assumption that an increase in the morale of ABC Company's employees could lead to increased production. This assumption is necessary for the argument to be valid.