LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the experts' reasoning 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

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that creative engineers get their most useful ideas after doodling and jotting down outlandish ideas. However, with the shift to computer work, doodling is becoming less common, which may lead to fewer creative ideas. To counter this, experts suggest that simulated notepads should be included in computer programs to allow engineers to type up outlandish ideas and then return to their original work.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

- Premise: Creative engineers get their best ideas after doodling and jotting down outlandish ideas.

- Premise: Doodling is becoming less common due to the shift to computer work.

- Conclusion: Simulated notepads should be included in computer programs to promote creativity.

Now, let's think of an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Does the act of typing outlandish ideas on a simulated notepad have the same effect as physically doodling on paper?"

The question type for this problem is Necessary Assumption, and we are asked to identify an assumption on which the experts' reasoning depends.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The amount of time spent on doodling compared to serious work is not relevant to the argument. The focus is on the benefits of doodling, not the time spent on it. Thus, this answer choice is not a necessary assumption.

b) Even if engineers use simulated notepads for other purposes, it doesn't negate the fact that they could still use them for typing outlandish ideas. Therefore, this answer choice is not a necessary assumption.

c) If some engineers keep paper and pencils near their computers, it doesn't invalidate the experts' recommendation for simulated notepads. Those who don't have paper and pencils could still benefit from the simulated notepads. Hence, this answer choice is not a necessary assumption.

d) This answer choice is the correct one. If the physical act of working on paper is essential for the benefits of doodling, then the experts' recommendation for simulated notepads would not achieve the intended goal. Therefore, this assumption is necessary for the argument to be valid.

e) The practical application of outlandish ideas is not the focus of the argument. Even if only a few ideas from doodling are valuable, it could still be beneficial for engineers. This answer choice is not a necessary assumption.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (d), as it is a necessary assumption for the experts' argument to be valid.