LSAT Question Stem

The argumentation conforms most closely to which one of the following principles? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Principle, specifically asking us to identify the principle that aligns with the argument in the passage.

The passage argues that new statistics showing a sudden increase in the incidence of a problem might not indicate an actual increase in the problem, but rather a heightened awareness of the problem or an improved ability to record its occurrence. The author concludes that we should be cautious about proposing radical solutions to problems based on these new statistics.

In other words, the argument's structure can be broken down as follows:

Premise: New statistics might reflect heightened awareness or better recording of a problem.

Conclusion: We should be cautious about proposing radical solutions based on new statistics.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do new statistics always accurately represent the actual increase in the incidence of a problem?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) A better cognizance of a problem does not warrant the undertaking of a radical solution to the problem.

- This answer choice aligns with the argument's reasoning that heightened awareness of a problem is not enough to justify radical solutions. This is the correct answer.

b) Attempts to stop the occurrence of a problem should be preceded by a determination that the problem actually exists.

- This answer choice does not directly address the argument's focus on new statistics and radical solutions. It is not the best representation of the argument's principle.

c) Proposals for radical solutions to problems should be based on statistical data alone.

- This answer choice is opposite to the argument's conclusion, which cautions against relying solely on new statistical data for proposing radical solutions.

d) Statistical data should not be manipulated to make a radical solution to a problem seem more justified than it actually is.

- This answer choice introduces the idea of manipulation, which is not discussed in the passage. The passage focuses on heightened awareness and better recording, not deliberate manipulation of data.

e) Radical solutions to problems can cause other problems and end up doing more harm than good.

- This answer choice introduces a new reason for caution against radical solutions, which is not discussed in the passage. The passage's focus is on the potential misinterpretation of new statistics, not the potential harm caused by radical solutions.

In conclusion, answer choice (a) best aligns with the principle of the argument in the passage, as it reflects the idea that heightened awareness of a problem is not enough to justify radical solutions.