LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following exhibits a pattern of reasoning most similar to that exhibited by the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument has the following structure:

1. Premise: Radio airplay restrictions are nationally imposed regulations.

2. Premise: The City Club has compiled a guide to all nationally imposed regulations except those related to taxation or labor law.

3. Premise: Radio airplay restrictions are related neither to taxation nor to labor law.

4. Conclusion: The City Club's guide covers radio airplay restrictions.

The argument is valid because it concludes that radio airplay restrictions are included in the City Club's guide based on the premises that radio airplay restrictions are nationally imposed regulations and are not related to the exceptions (taxation or labor law).

Now, let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is a Parallel question, which requires us to find an answer choice that exhibits a pattern of reasoning most similar to that in the passage.

Let's discuss each answer choice in detail:

a) This answer choice changes the subject from desserts to snack foods, making the argument invalid. The passage's argument remained consistent in its subject matter, so this answer choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

b) This is the correct answer choice. The argument in this choice has a similar structure to the passage:

1. Premise: Coreopsis is a perennial.

2. Premise: The Garden Club awards a prize each year for each perennial except those that are shrubs or not native to North America.

3. Premise: Coreopsis is native to North America and is not a shrub.

4. Conclusion: The Garden Club awards a prize each year for coreopsis.

The argument is valid and follows the same pattern of reasoning as the passage, concluding that coreopsis receives a prize based on its characteristics and the Garden Club's rules.

c) This answer choice is invalid because it assumes that the Windsor Coalition does not pose a threat to regional economic growth, which is not a stated premise. The passage's argument is valid, so this choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

d) This answer choice is also invalid because it assumes that Leotol Corporation produces compact discs just because they possess certain qualities (data storage) that are also possessed by the corporation's products. The passage's argument is valid, so this choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

e) This answer choice has a scope shift, going from traffic laws in the public interest to all government regulations in the public interest. The passage's argument remains consistent in its scope, so this choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

In conclusion, the answer choice that exhibits a pattern of reasoning most similar to that in the passage is answer choice B.