LSAT Question Stem

Dr. Carabella uses which one of the following strategies in responding to Dr. Jones? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Dr. Jones presents a premise that telemedicine will improve rural patient care by allowing rural physicians to consult with distant specialists. Dr. Carabella counters this argument with a prediction that telemedicine might initially help but will eventually lead to a decline in personal attention for patients, causing rural and urban patient care to suffer. Dr. Carabella's statement is the conclusion of the argument.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, and it asks us to identify the strategy Dr. Carabella uses in responding to Dr. Jones.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) Listing a set of considerations to show that a prescribed treatment that seems to be benefiting a patient in fact harms that patient

This answer choice is close but not quite right. Dr. Carabella doesn't list a set of considerations; instead, she provides a prediction of how telemedicine will negatively impact patient care in the long run. Additionally, telemedicine isn't a prescribed treatment for a specific patient, but rather a technology being discussed.

b) Describing the application of the technology discussed by Dr. Jones as one step that initiates a process that leads to an undesirable end

This answer choice is correct. Dr. Carabella describes how the application of telemedicine could lead to a process that ultimately results in a decline in personal attention for patients, which is an undesirable outcome.

c) Citing evidence that Dr. Jones lacks the professional training to judge the case at issue

Dr. Carabella doesn't question Dr. Jones's professional qualifications or training. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) Invoking medical statistics that cast doubt on the premises used in Dr. Jones's argument

Dr. Carabella doesn't use medical statistics to counter Dr. Jones's argument. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) Providing grounds for dismissing Dr. Jones's interpretation of a key term in medical technology

Dr. Carabella doesn't dismiss Dr. Jones's interpretation of a key term. Instead, she presents a prediction of the negative consequences of telemedicine. This answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it accurately describes Dr. Carabella's strategy of explaining how the application of telemedicine initiates a process that leads to an undesirable end.