LSAT Explanation PT 26, S2, Q3: Trisha: Today's family is declining in

LSAT Question Stem

Trisha and Jerod disagree over whether the institution of the family is 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Trisha and Jerod are having a conversation about the state of the family institution. Trisha states that the family's ability to carry out its functions, such as child-rearing and providing stability for adult life, is declining. She believes that there should be a return to traditional values of commitment and responsibility. This is her conclusion. Jerod, on the other hand, argues that contemporary families may be less stable than in the past, but most people don't consider this a bad thing. He thinks that criticisms of the family are exaggerated and harmful. This is his conclusion.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a "Disagree" question, which means we need to find the answer choice that best represents the point of disagreement between Trisha and Jerod.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) adequate as it is

Trisha believes that the family institution is not adequate in its current state and needs to return to traditional values. Jerod, on the other hand, believes that the family institution is good enough as it is and that criticisms are overblown. This is the point of disagreement between them, so this is the correct answer.

b) changing over time

Both Trisha and Jerod acknowledge that the family institution has changed over time. Trisha believes this change has led to a decline in the family's ability to fulfill its functions, while Jerod believes that the change is not necessarily bad. Since they both agree that the family institution is changing, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) valued by most people

This answer choice is not directly addressed in the passage. Trisha and Jerod do not discuss whether or not the family institution is valued by most people. Their disagreement is about the adequacy of the family institution, not its value to society. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) not going to survive

Neither Trisha nor Jerod argue that the family institution will not survive. Trisha believes that there should be a return to traditional values, while Jerod thinks that the institution is good enough as it is. Their disagreement does not involve the survival of the family institution, so this answer choice is incorrect.

e) no longer traditional

Both Trisha and Jerod acknowledge that the family institution is no longer traditional. Trisha believes this is a problem and that there should be a return to traditional values, while Jerod thinks that the change is not necessarily bad. Since they both agree that the family institution is no longer traditional, this answer choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer is A, as Trisha and Jerod disagree over whether the institution of the family is adequate as it is. Trisha believes it is not adequate and needs to return to traditional values, while Jerod believes it is good enough in its current state.