PrepTest 150

Incorrect. Even if the response can be interpreted many different ways, the birds may still always respond to song overlapping in the same manner.

Incorrect. This answer is too extreme. While these types of studies may not provide great evidence in this case, there might be other situations where they are more valuable.

Incorrect. This answer is a trap! It goes to far in suggesting the opposite conclusion drawn by the opposing point; in other words, the opposing point is wrong. The author, however, only presents information that the opposing point is unconvincing.

Incorrect. While the author isn't convinced that song overlapping is a sign of aggression, she doesn't state that it's definitely not a sign of aggression. Additionally, no other message is ruled out.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Argument Completion

Stimulus Summary:
Some studies concluded that a bird singing over another bird is aggressive. However, these studies were based on a methodology that can result in almost anything being interpreted as aggressive. Therefore . . .

Answer Anticipation:
The author of this argument brings up a flaw in the way the study was conducted, so she's definitely not convinced of these studies' conclusions. The question is whether she thinks the conclusion is wrong, or just not supported. Here, the evidence is that the study was bad, not that other evidence suggests that song overlapping isn't a sign of aggression. So the conclusion the author of this argument is leading to is that the studies, while potentially correct in their conclusion, haven't proven it.

Answer Explanation:
This answer brings the argument together. An opposing point has reached a conclusion, but their methodology was flawed, so we can't be sure of their conclusion. It may be right, but it's, as of now, unconvincing.

Key Takeaway:
On LSAT questions with opposing points, there are two general categories that the main conclusion will fall into: the opposing point is wrong, or the opposing point is unconvincing. It's almost always important to note which of those two the conclusion actually is or, in this case, which conclusion the evidence leans to. If the author points out a flaw in the opposing view, her conclusion is likely that the argument is unconvincing. If the author brings up new evidence, then it's likely the conclusion is that the opposing point is wrong.