June 2007 LSAT Question Explanations June 2007 - Sec 2 - LR...

June 2007 - Sec 2 - LR - Q10

Video Transcript:

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Question 10: Double-blind techniques should be used whenever possible in
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scientific experiments. They help prevent the misinterpretations that often arise
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due to expectations and opinions that scientists already hold, and clearly
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scientists should be extremely diligent in trying to avoid such
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misinterpretations. So argument or facts? This is an argument. What is the conclusion? What is
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the main point that this author is trying to convey in this passage and it is clearly
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the first sentence that double-blind techniques should be used whenever
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possible in scientific experiments. And how do we know that? Well they help
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prevent misinterpretations that often arise due to expectations and opinions
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that scientists already hold. And clearly scientists should be extremely diligent in trying to avoid
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such misinterpretations. So, those are our premises. And now moving to the question stem:
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Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main
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conclusion of the argument? So another main point question. Looking for an answer choice that not
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only must be true but also must be the main.
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point. Again we've identified that the conclusion is the first sentence.
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Double-blind techniques should be used whenever possible in scientific
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experiments. So let's find an answer choice that is a direct restatement of that first sentence.
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Let's take a look at (A). Scientists' objectivity me be impeded by
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interpreting experimental evidence on the basis of expectations and opinions
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that they already hold. And you notice that (A) is clearly implied by the passage
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but it is definitely not the main point. So (A) would be eliminated.
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(B) It is advisable for scientists to use double-blind techniques in as high a
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proportion of their experiments as they can. And low and behold (B) here is a
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direct restatement the first sentence that double-bind techniques should be
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used
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whenever possible in science experiments. And you notice in as higher proportion
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of their experiment as they can used whenever possible.
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Exact same idea. Direct restatement. So (B) would be the correct answer. But again just making sure here.
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Checking (C): Scientists sometimes neglect to adequately consider the risk
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of misinterpreting evidence on the basis of prior expectations and opinions. And you notice
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that is not necessarily true. Not mentioned in our passage. So clearly not the main point.
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(C) would be eliminated. Bringing me to (D): Whenever possible
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scientists should refrain from interpreting evidence on the basis of previously
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formed expectations and convictions. And that is obviously true from the last
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sentence where it says, 'scientists should be extremely diligent in trying to avoid
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such misinterpretations so whenever possible scientists should refrain from
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interpreting evidence on the basis of previously formed expectations and
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convictions'. But again not the main point so (D) is out. And then (E): double-blind
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experimental techniques are often an effective way of ensuring scientific
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objectivity. And again that is true but not the main point. So (E) would be eliminated.