Logical reasoning PrepTest 150 · Section 2 · Question 21

Incorrect. This answer is too broad in that it talks about emotions instead of just affection.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen with Necessary Premise

Stimulus Summary:
Affectionate chimps are more likely to be defended by other chimps than stoic chimps. Humans are more likely to defend humans they are affectionate towards. So affection plays the same role in chimps as in humans.

Answer Anticipation:
This argument might seem valid, but there's a very subtle shift in the language. When discussing the chimps, it talks about apes that are affectionate towards others. When discussing the humans, it talks about those who feel affection towards others. It's a subtle shift, but one that means a conclusion saying two things are the same is invalid.

Answer Explanation:
This answer allows the affection to flow in both directions, which would then allow the chimp example to match up with the human one. If feelings of affection in the chimp community are never reciprocated, then we can't relate the chimp examples to the human one. We'd also have to cry for the unrequited love that all chimps must feel.

Key Takeaway:
In arguments that speak about emotions, make sure that the feeler and recipient of the emotion match up. Switching those around is a common shift on the LSAT.

Incorrect. This answer choice is too strong. In order to reach a conclusion that both chimps and humans protect each other out of affection, we don't need to rule out all other reasons for that protection.

Incorrect. The affection within a social group is the one discussed in the stimulus, but that doesn't mean there can't be out-group affection. This external affection could co-exist with in-group affection.

Incorrect. While the argument does assume that those who are acting altruistic (defending others at risk to their own well-being), it doesn't rely on affection usually being displayed in this manner. Maybe a hug here and there gets it across just as well.