LSAT Explanation PT 41, S1, Q4: Industry experts expect improvements in job

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the passage above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the passage. It states that industry experts expect improvements in job safety training to lead to safer work environments. However, a recent survey found that for manufacturers who improved job safety training during the 1980s, the number of on-the-job accidents actually increased in the months immediately following the changes in the training programs. This seems to be a contradiction, and the question asks us to resolve this apparent discrepancy.

Think of this like a new traffic law being implemented to reduce accidents, but instead, accidents increase right after the law is introduced. It's counterintuitive, and we need to find a reason for this increase.

The question type is Paradox, which means we need to find an answer choice that resolves the apparent discrepancy in the passage.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This answer choice talks about the transportation sector, which is not directly related to the manufacturers mentioned in the passage. It doesn't explain why accidents increased for manufacturers after improving job safety training. So, this choice doesn't resolve the paradox.

b) This answer choice suggests that manufacturers tend to improve their job safety training when they are increasing the size of their workforce. This could explain the increase in on-the-job accidents, as more workers might lead to more accidents, even with improved safety training. This choice resolves the paradox and is the correct answer.

c) This answer choice states that manufacturers tend to improve job safety training only after noticing an increase in on-the-job accidents. However, this doesn't explain why accidents would increase even more after the improved training was implemented. So, this choice doesn't resolve the paradox.

d) This answer choice argues that the increase in the number of on-the-job accidents was not just a random fluctuation. However, it doesn't provide a reason for the increase, so it doesn't resolve the paradox.

e) This answer choice mentions that significant safety measures were already in place before the improvements in job safety training. While this might explain why no change in accidents occurred, it doesn't explain why accidents increased after the new safety training was implemented. So, this choice doesn't resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B), as it provides a plausible reason for the increase in on-the-job accidents after the implementation of improved job safety training: the simultaneous increase in the size of the workforce.