Method of Reasoning - LSAT Logical Reasoning
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What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "rules out an alternative explanation"?
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "rules out an alternative explanation"?
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It eliminates competing causes or accounts. Strengthens by showing other causes don't apply.
It eliminates competing causes or accounts. Strengthens by showing other causes don't apply.
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Identify the method: The author claims that because $A$ happened before $B$, $A$ caused $B$.
Identify the method: The author claims that because $A$ happened before $B$, $A$ caused $B$.
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Post hoc reasoning (temporal sequence as proof of causation). Assumes earlier events cause later ones just by sequence.
Post hoc reasoning (temporal sequence as proof of causation). Assumes earlier events cause later ones just by sequence.
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What is the correct description of a premise in Method of Reasoning?
What is the correct description of a premise in Method of Reasoning?
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A claim offered as support for the conclusion. Evidence or reasons given to support the conclusion.
A claim offered as support for the conclusion. Evidence or reasons given to support the conclusion.
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What is the primary task in a Method of Reasoning question?
What is the primary task in a Method of Reasoning question?
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Identify the argumentative role played by the cited statement(s). Focus on how statements function in the argument structure.
Identify the argumentative role played by the cited statement(s). Focus on how statements function in the argument structure.
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What is the correct description of a conclusion in Method of Reasoning?
What is the correct description of a conclusion in Method of Reasoning?
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The claim the author is trying to establish. The main point the argument aims to prove.
The claim the author is trying to establish. The main point the argument aims to prove.
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Identify the method: The author offers evidence and then draws a general rule.
Identify the method: The author offers evidence and then draws a general rule.
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Generalization from specific instances (inductive generalization). Moving from specific examples to a broader principle.
Generalization from specific instances (inductive generalization). Moving from specific examples to a broader principle.
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Identify the method: The author applies a general rule to reach a specific result.
Identify the method: The author applies a general rule to reach a specific result.
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Deduction: applying a general principle to a particular case. Using a broad rule to determine a specific outcome.
Deduction: applying a general principle to a particular case. Using a broad rule to determine a specific outcome.
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Identify the method: The author rejects a view by showing it leads to an absurd result.
Identify the method: The author rejects a view by showing it leads to an absurd result.
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Reductio ad absurdum (rejecting by deriving an unacceptable outcome). Disproving by showing it implies something clearly false.
Reductio ad absurdum (rejecting by deriving an unacceptable outcome). Disproving by showing it implies something clearly false.
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What method is described by arguing that two things are alike in one respect, so they are alike in another?
What method is described by arguing that two things are alike in one respect, so they are alike in another?
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Reasoning by analogy. Assumes similar things in one way are similar in others.
Reasoning by analogy. Assumes similar things in one way are similar in others.
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Identify the method: The author explains a phenomenon by proposing its most likely cause.
Identify the method: The author explains a phenomenon by proposing its most likely cause.
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Inference to the best explanation (causal hypothesis). Selecting the most plausible cause among alternatives.
Inference to the best explanation (causal hypothesis). Selecting the most plausible cause among alternatives.
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What method is described by using elimination of alternatives to support one remaining option?
What method is described by using elimination of alternatives to support one remaining option?
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Process of elimination (exhaustive or partially exhaustive). Ruling out other options to support the remaining one.
Process of elimination (exhaustive or partially exhaustive). Ruling out other options to support the remaining one.
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Identify the method: The author attacks the arguer’s character instead of the claim.
Identify the method: The author attacks the arguer’s character instead of the claim.
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Ad hominem attack. Targets the person making the argument, not the argument itself.
Ad hominem attack. Targets the person making the argument, not the argument itself.
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Identify the method: The author misrepresents an opponent’s view to make it easier to refute.
Identify the method: The author misrepresents an opponent’s view to make it easier to refute.
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Straw man. Distorts the opposing position to defeat it more easily.
Straw man. Distorts the opposing position to defeat it more easily.
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What method is described by treating correlation as sufficient to establish causation?
What method is described by treating correlation as sufficient to establish causation?
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Inferring causation from correlation. Assumes that things occurring together have a causal link.
Inferring causation from correlation. Assumes that things occurring together have a causal link.
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What method is described by appealing to what most people believe as support for a claim?
What method is described by appealing to what most people believe as support for a claim?
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Appeal to popularity (ad populum). Uses widespread belief as evidence for truth.
Appeal to popularity (ad populum). Uses widespread belief as evidence for truth.
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Identify the method: The author supports a claim by citing a qualified specialist’s testimony.
Identify the method: The author supports a claim by citing a qualified specialist’s testimony.
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Appeal to authority (relevant expert support). Uses expert opinion as evidence when expertise is relevant.
Appeal to authority (relevant expert support). Uses expert opinion as evidence when expertise is relevant.
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What method is described by concluding a policy is good because it has good intentions?
What method is described by concluding a policy is good because it has good intentions?
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Appeal to intentions (intentions substituted for results). Judges effectiveness by goals rather than actual outcomes.
Appeal to intentions (intentions substituted for results). Judges effectiveness by goals rather than actual outcomes.
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What method is described by shifting a key term’s meaning between premises and conclusion?
What method is described by shifting a key term’s meaning between premises and conclusion?
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Equivocation (ambiguity exploited as support). Uses a word's multiple meanings to create false support.
Equivocation (ambiguity exploited as support). Uses a word's multiple meanings to create false support.
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Identify the method: The author concludes something is true because it has not been proven false.
Identify the method: The author concludes something is true because it has not been proven false.
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Appeal to ignorance. Uses lack of disproof as evidence for truth.
Appeal to ignorance. Uses lack of disproof as evidence for truth.
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Identify the method: The author treats a necessary condition as if it were sufficient.
Identify the method: The author treats a necessary condition as if it were sufficient.
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Conditional confusion: necessary mistaken for sufficient. Assumes meeting a requirement guarantees the outcome.
Conditional confusion: necessary mistaken for sufficient. Assumes meeting a requirement guarantees the outcome.
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What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "offers an explanation"?
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "offers an explanation"?
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It proposes a cause or account for the stated facts. Provides causal reasoning for observed phenomena.
It proposes a cause or account for the stated facts. Provides causal reasoning for observed phenomena.
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What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "uses an analogy"?
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "uses an analogy"?
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It argues from similarity between two cases. Compares similar situations to draw conclusions.
It argues from similarity between two cases. Compares similar situations to draw conclusions.
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What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from a general principle to a specific case"?
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from a general principle to a specific case"?
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It applies a rule to reach a particular conclusion (deduction). Classic deductive reasoning pattern.
It applies a rule to reach a particular conclusion (deduction). Classic deductive reasoning pattern.
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What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from specific cases to a general conclusion"?
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "reasons from specific cases to a general conclusion"?
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It generalizes from observations (induction). Classic inductive reasoning pattern.
It generalizes from observations (induction). Classic inductive reasoning pattern.
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What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "appeals to authority"?
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "appeals to authority"?
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It supports a claim by citing an expert or institution. Uses credibility rather than direct evidence.
It supports a claim by citing an expert or institution. Uses credibility rather than direct evidence.
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What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "concedes a point"?
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "concedes a point"?
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It grants a claim (often an objection) before continuing. Acknowledges opposing view to strengthen credibility.
It grants a claim (often an objection) before continuing. Acknowledges opposing view to strengthen credibility.
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What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "responds to an objection"?
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "responds to an objection"?
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It addresses and attempts to weaken a counterargument. Directly engages with opposing arguments.
It addresses and attempts to weaken a counterargument. Directly engages with opposing arguments.
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What should you identify first to answer a Method of Reasoning question efficiently?
What should you identify first to answer a Method of Reasoning question efficiently?
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The conclusion and the premises. These form the argument's structure to analyze.
The conclusion and the premises. These form the argument's structure to analyze.
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What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "draws a conclusion from evidence"?
What does an answer choice mean when it says the argument "draws a conclusion from evidence"?
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It infers a claim (conclusion) from given premises. Standard deductive reasoning from evidence.
It infers a claim (conclusion) from given premises. Standard deductive reasoning from evidence.
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What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "takes for granted" a claim?
What does it mean if an answer choice says the argument "takes for granted" a claim?
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It assumes a claim without support (an unstated assumption). Identifies hidden premises the argument relies on.
It assumes a claim without support (an unstated assumption). Identifies hidden premises the argument relies on.
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