LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following describes a flaw in the psychologist's reasoning EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The psychologist claims that doctors should never prescribe sedatives for people with insomnia. The premise is that most cases of insomnia that psychologists treat are caused by psychological stress. From this, the psychologist concludes that insomniacs do not need drugs that alter their biochemistry, but rather need psychotherapy to help them alleviate the stress causing their insomnia. Here, the structure of the argument is:

Premise: Most cases of insomnia psychologists treat are caused by stress.

Conclusion: Insomniacs need psychotherapy, not sedatives.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Are there any cases of insomnia that are not caused by stress and might require a different treatment?"

The question type for this problem is Flaw, and it's an "except" question. We are asked to identify the answer choice that does NOT describe a flaw in the psychologist's reasoning.

a) It presumes, without providing warrant, that insomnia contributes to an inability to cope with stress.

This answer choice is correct because it is not a flaw in the argument. The argument assumes that stress causes insomnia, not the other way around.

b) It fails to consider the possibility that sedatives are the only treatment known to be effective for cases of insomnia not caused by stress.

This answer choice describes a flaw in the argument. The psychologist does not consider cases of insomnia that are not caused by stress and may require a different treatment, such as sedatives.

c) It neglects the possibility that for some people psychotherapy is a completely ineffective treatment for stress.

This answer choice also describes a flaw in the argument. The psychologist assumes that psychotherapy will help all insomniacs alleviate their stress, but it might not be effective for everyone.

d) It overlooks the possibility that sedatives could help insomniacs cope with stress.

This answer choice points out another flaw in the argument. The psychologist does not consider that sedatives might help insomniacs deal with their stress, which could potentially improve their insomnia.

e) It presumes, without providing justification, that the cases of insomnia psychologists treat are representative of all cases of insomnia.

This answer choice highlights a flaw in the argument as well. The psychologist bases their conclusion on the cases they treat, which might not be representative of all cases of insomnia.

In summary, the correct answer is A because it's the only answer choice that does not describe a flaw in the psychologist's reasoning. The other answer choices highlight various assumptions and oversights in the argument, making them incorrect.