LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Weaken, which means we are looking for an answer choice that weakens the argument presented in the passage.

Passage Summary:

The passage argues that computer manufacturers and retailers are wrong when they claim that the complexity of connecting personal computer components is not a widespread obstacle to their use. The author provides two premises to support this conclusion: 1) customers have to take full responsibility for setting jumpers and switches, and 2) accessories often require extra software that can cause other accessories to stop working.

Evaluate Question:

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Do most customers have to deal with the complexity of connecting components themselves, or is there help available?"

Now, let's go through each answer choice and determine which one weakens the argument the most.

Answer Choice (a): Personal computer instruction manuals usually explain the purposes of the jumpers and switches.

- While this statement might provide some guidance for customers, it doesn't necessarily make the process of connecting components less complex. Additionally, this answer choice doesn't address the issue of extra software causing other accessories to stop working. It also doesn't undermine the fact that customers still have to deal with the settings themselves.

Answer Choice (b): Software for accessories can often be obtained for free.

- This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument, as it discusses the cost of the software rather than the complexity of connecting components.

Answer Choice (c): Installing an accessory will become extremely easy in the foreseeable future.

- This answer choice is also irrelevant to the argument, as it discusses the future of accessory installation rather than the current complexity of connecting components.

Answer Choice (d): A personal computer is usually sold as part of a package that includes accessories and free installation.

- This is the correct answer choice, as it directly weakens the argument. If personal computers are sold with accessories and free installation, then the complexity of connecting components becomes irrelevant because experts handle the installation process. This means that customers don't have to deal with the complexity themselves, which undermines the author's conclusion.

Answer Choice (e): Computer manufacturers rarely take into account ease of installation when they are designing programs or accessories.

- This answer choice actually strengthens the argument by suggesting that manufacturers don't intentionally make installation easier. If you chose this answer, you may have misunderstood the question or misidentified the conclusion of the passage.