LSAT Explanation PT 45, S4, Q18: Decentralization enables divisions of a large
LSAT Question Stem
The statements above most strongly support which one of the following?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Most Strongly supported question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is A.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
The question type for this problem is Most Strongly Supported (MSS), and our task is to find an answer choice that is strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.
First, let's analyze the passage:
- Decentralization allows large institutions' divisions to function autonomously.
- Autonomy always permits more realistic planning and strongly encourages innovation, as decision-makers are directly involved in policy implementation.
- Decentralization allows central administration to focus on institution-wide issues without being overwhelmed by daily operation details.
Now, let's examine each answer choice:
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. The passage states that autonomy always permits more realistic planning. Therefore, if a large institution's divisions do not function autonomously, their planning cannot be maximally realistic. It is supported by the passage's extreme language.
Answer choice (B): This choice might seem attractive, but it's incorrect. The passage states that decentralization encourages innovation, but it doesn't say that centralized institutions always discourage innovation. This answer choice is similar to a Mistaken Negation and should be eliminated.
Answer choice (C): The passage lists some benefits of decentralization but does not weigh them against any drawbacks. We cannot conclude anything certain about the value of decentralization relative to centralization based on the stimulus, so this choice is wrong.
Answer choice (D): This answer choice is a popular incorrect choice. The passage indicates that central administrations of large institutions are partially responsible for some daily operation details, but we don't know if they are responsible for most of these details.
Answer choice (E): The passage states that autonomy always permits more realistic planning and strongly encourages innovation, but it doesn't mean that people implementing the policies are always able to achieve these ends. The difference in certainty makes this answer choice incorrect. Additionally, the passage discusses people involved in decision-making and implementation, but this choice only mentions people involved in implementation. We should not assume that anyone involved in implementation is also involved in decision-making, as that would be a Mistaken Reversal.