Q17

[zainrizvi]

Don't understand how the second part of correct answer choice (E), can introduce new information ("test validity of a theory") and still be correct. Is it because the other answer choices have glaring flaws?

[noah]

That's a tough answer to be happy with! But, as you mention, the other answers do have serious issues (and the question asks which one best describes the function).

The third paragraph gives us a couple of predictions made by a scientist using evolutionary theory. If those predictions were to be prove accurate, it would be support for the theory she's using. While there's no discussion of using the predictions to evaluate the theory, we can infer that the predictions could be used in that way. Note that the answer doesn't say the results will be used that way.

As for the wrong answers:

(A) describes part of the discussion in earlier paragraphs, but a comparison between the theories is never made in the third paragraph.

(B) is somewhat tempting, however the theory is not discussed in the third paragraph - predictions that seem to rely on that theory are discussed.

(C) is perhaps the most tempting wrong answer. However, we're not sure if the predictions will come true - so perhaps they won't provide support when they turn out to be wrong.

(D) is unsupported - there are predictions, but no discussion of a rare phenomenon. Perhaps we could consider the two habitats to be the phenomena, but who says they're rare? And, if we overlook that issue and pretend that the final paragraph is discussing the spider's behavior, is that rare? And is there no way for the species-specific model to explain it?

I hope that helps clear up this annoying question!

[carly.applebaum]

general question: what constitutes a "phenomenon" in RC questions/answers?

and why is d wrong? in your explanation it says there is a phenomenon...and it seems that this phenomenon cannot be "accounted for" by the first paragraph since the 1st paragraph only talks about the species-specific model..

thanks!

[noah]

general question: what constitutes a "phenomenon" in RC questions/answers?

and why is d wrong? in your explanation it says there is a phenomenon...and it seems that this phenomenon cannot be "accounted for" by the first paragraph since the 1st paragraph only talks about the species-specific model..

thanks!

Great reading! I went back and removed the initial reference to a phenomenon. The last paragraph is essentially a prediction.

As for the what the heck "phenomenon" means, here's the definition I found online: A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, esp. one whose cause is in question.

And, I'd say that works well for how the LSAT uses the word. In short, a phenomenon is something that happens or is true.

One could contort the final paragraph to say it's describing the phenomenon of the scientist making a prediction. But that's a bit silly.

I went back and fleshed out my explanation for (D). Tell me if it clears it up.