LSAT Explanation PT 27, S1, Q26: Researcher: The vast majority of a

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its reasoning to the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The researcher states that the vast majority of a person's dreams bear no resemblance to real events that follow the dreams (premise). Therefore, it is unreasonable to believe that one has extrasensory perception solely on the basis of having had several vivid dreams about events that happen after the dreams (conclusion).

The question type is Parallel, which means we need to identify the answer choice that has an argument with similar reasoning to the passage's argument.

Now, let's discuss the answer choices:

a) This answer choice talks about a new drug being tested on only a few patients and how most new drugs require testing on large numbers of patients before they are considered effective. While this choice discusses the idea of a "majority," it doesn't have the "since it doesn't happen most of the time" aspect that we see in the passage's argument. So, this choice is not a perfect match.

b) This choice discusses surgery for ulcers and how many people show no long-term improvement. It also mentions that ulcer surgery benefits many people. However, it doesn't have the "majority" aspect that we see in the passage's argument, so it's not a perfect match either.

c) This choice talks about cancer patients experiencing remissions without drinking herbal tea and how several factors are relevant to cancer remission. It doesn't have the "majority" aspect that we see in the passage's argument, so it's not a perfect match.

d) This choice is the correct answer. It discusses how a number of people who die prematurely take aspirin, but the vast majority of people who take aspirin do not die prematurely. This argument closely parallels the passage's argument by mentioning a "majority" and having a similar conclusion.

e) This choice talks about children raised near power lines developing cancer and how many people living near power lines never develop cancer. It doesn't have the "majority" aspect that we see in the passage's argument, and the conclusion is not similar to the passage's argument. So, it's not a perfect match.

In conclusion, answer choice D is the best match for the passage's argument, as it closely follows the same reasoning and structure.