LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningMedium
A recent study found that individuals who regularly engage in creative hobbies, such as painting or writing, report higher levels of life satisfaction than those who do not. The study concluded that engaging in creative hobbies causes an increase in life satisfaction. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the study's conclusion?
- AIndividuals who report high life satisfaction are more likely to seek out creative hobbies.
- BMany creative hobbies are also social activities, fostering community and connection.
- CThe study controlled for other factors known to influence life satisfaction, such as income and social support.
- DArt therapy has been shown to improve mood and well-being in clinical settings.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The study controlled for other factors known to influence life satisfaction, such as income and social support.
The conclusion asserts a causal link. If other known causes of life satisfaction (confounding variables) were controlled for, it makes it more likely that the observed correlation between creative hobbies and life satisfaction is indeed causal, rather than being due to those other factors.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests reverse causation (satisfaction causes hobbies), which would weaken the study's conclusion.
- B. While true, this introduces an alternative explanation for *why* creative hobbies might increase satisfaction (social connection), which slightly weakens the direct 'creative hobbies' causation, or at least complicates it.
- D. Art therapy uses art for therapeutic purposes, which is related but not directly about the causal link between *engaging in hobbies* and *general life satisfaction* in the context of the study.
Strengthening an Argument
To strengthen an argument is to introduce new information that makes the conclusion more likely to be true, often by reinforcing a causal link, eliminating alternative explanations, or providing additional supporting evidence.
- Makes the conclusion more probable.
- Can rule out potential weaknesses or objections.
- Often confirms a critical assumption.
Memory trick: Build the bridge, secure the claim, make the argument sustain.