LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Necessary Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Necessary Assumption. We are looking for an assumption on which the argument depends.

First, let's break down the argument in the passage:

Premise: Skilled research scientists in private industry earn 50% more than government-employed research scientists.

Premise: Government-employed research scientists would have no problem finding private-sector jobs.

Conclusion: The government is likely to lose its most skilled research scientists to private industry, unless they are motivated more by a sense of public duty than by their own interests.

The argument assumes that monetary compensation is the main factor affecting research scientists' decision to work in the private sector or the government. It doesn't consider other factors such as job security, working conditions, or fringe benefits. Our "Evaluate" question could be: "Are there any non-monetary factors that could influence a research scientist's decision to work in the government or private sector?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice suggests that recognition for research contributions might be a factor affecting research scientists' decisions. Although negating this statement might weaken the argument, it doesn't completely destroy it. Monetary compensation could still be the main factor.

b) This answer choice focuses on the salary comparison between the highest-paid researchers in both sectors. Negating this statement doesn't necessarily destroy the argument, as there could be other reasons for the salary difference. This statement is not absolutely necessary for the argument.

c) The number of highly skilled research scientists employed in the government vs. private sector is irrelevant to the issue of incentives for scientists to switch jobs.

d) This is the correct answer choice. Negating this statement would imply that the government provides its research scientists with better working conditions or fringe benefits that could compensate for lower salaries. In this case, self-interest would not necessarily push research scientists toward private-sector jobs. Therefore, this statement is necessary for the argument.

e) Negating this statement would suggest that private-sector scientists work shorter hours, which would actually support the argument, not destroy it.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (d), as it is the assumption on which the argument depends. The government does not provide its research scientists with unusually good working conditions or fringe benefits that more than compensate for the lower salaries they receive.