LSAT Logical Reasoning: Effective Strategies to Weaken An Argument

Weaken questions in LSAT Logical Reasoning can be tricky, as they require you to find the answer choice that most directly undermines the argument’s main point. The video “How to Weaken an LSAT Logical Reasoning Argument Using PrepTest 158 Section 3, Question 7” explains an effective approach for identifying and selecting the right answer to weaken an argument. Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle these questions confidently on test day.

Understanding Weaken Questions in Logical Reasoning

In weaken questions, the prompt often asks which answer choice would most seriously weaken or challenge the argument’s conclusion if it were true. The goal is to identify an answer that introduces a doubt or undermines the argument, rather than finding an answer that is merely irrelevant or neutral. This type of question demands that you understand both the argument’s structure and the assumptions on which it relies.

In the example from LSAT PrepTest 158, Section 3, Question 7, the argument revolves around an ethics code violation. Dr. Ferris gives a patient a medication, Medication A, claiming it will help with sleep, even though it doesn’t have known sleep-inducing properties. Yet the patient’s sleep does improve. The task is to find an answer choice that weakens the conclusion that Dr. Ferris violated the ethics code.

Step-by-Step Approach to Weaken Questions

1. Highlight the Question Task: Start by clarifying what’s being asked—in this case, to find the option that most seriously weakens the argument. Recognize that you’re looking for the choice that undermines the ethics code violation claim.

2. Identify the Conclusion: Read the paragraph carefully to pinpoint the conclusion. Here, the conclusion is that Dr. Ferris violated the ethics code by misleading the patient about the medication’s effects.

3. Make a Prediction: Consider potential ways the argument could be weakened. For example, if it turns out that Medication A has side effects that can indirectly lead to sleep, then Dr. Ferris’s claim may not be as deceptive as it initially appears.

4. Evaluate Each Answer Choice:

   • Eliminate Strengtheners: Some choices may actually strengthen the argument by reinforcing the idea that Dr. Ferris was deceptive.
   • Check for Relevance: Discard answers that don’t directly relate to the conclusion about Dr. Ferris’s conduct.
   • Select the Best Match: In this case, Choice C introduces the idea that Medication A indirectly induces sleep by reducing discomfort, which would mean Dr. Ferris’s claim isn’t entirely misleading. This directly weakens the ethics violation claim.

Practical Tips for Weaken Questions

• Stick to the Argument’s Scope: Avoid answer choices that introduce irrelevant information or stray from the argument’s context.
• Confirm with Process of Elimination: For best results, eliminate choices that strengthen or have a neutral effect on the conclusion.
• Trust Your Prediction: Having a “real-life” prediction in mind can help streamline the process of identifying the correct answer.

Final Thoughts: Improving Weaken Question Accuracy

By following these strategies and using prediction to guide your answer selection, you’ll be better equipped to handle weaken questions on the LSAT. This method ensures you stay focused on the conclusion and assumptions, helping you tackle Logical Reasoning questions with greater confidence and efficiency.