Logical reasoning PrepTest 136 · Section 4 · Question 15

Incorrect. The stimulus notes that it's comparing two groups who "do similar amounts of typing," so this answer addresses a different group.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
This argument compares two groups of office workers who have a similar level of a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (amount of typing), highlighting a couple differences. The group that reported having the least control over their work also had three times the risk of developing carpal tunnel compared to the group with the most control.

So while the typing they're doing is a contributing factor to any carpal tunnel they develop, that's a wash between the groups. The difference in control must account for the disparate levels of development of the disorder, so any answer that addresses how that control can cause an increased risk will serve as an explanation here. The LSAT loves bringing stress into the equation, so there's a good chance that they'll connect lack of control to stress, and stress to this disorder.

Answer Anticipation:

Answer Explanation:
As anticipated, this answer connects control to stress, and stress to a higher risk of carpal tunnel. This answer uses the noted difference between the groups to explain the noted difference in health outcomes for the group, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
When possible, the LSAT loves bringing in stress as a potential alternative (or additional) cause to a given outcome (usually some type of physical or mental/emotional disorder or disease). If you're looking for an alternative cause in such an argument, start thinking about stress. If you're taking the LSAT, you're probably thinking about stress anyway!

Incorrect. This answer would apply equally to both groups, so it can't explain the different carpal tunnel rates.

Incorrect. This answer aligns with the paradox in the stimulus, but it doesn't explain why it's the case, so it's not our answer. Watch out for answers that align with the stimulus without explaining it!

Incorrect. This makes the paradox worse—if the group that has control performs more carpal tunnel-inducing activities and still has a lower risk of the disease, then we should be even more confused!