Q17 - Studies show that the most

[mnoha]

This question asks for an assumption on which the experts reasoning depends. I originally chose C before finding out that the answer was D.

I do not understand why the answer is D and how to arrive at that answer. Why did the experts reasoning depend on that assumption? Why would C be wrong? I normally have a hard time with these types of questions.

Thank you for any clarification!

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

This is a tough one. Have you heard anything about a strategy on necessary assumptions that has you negate the answer choices you feel are good contenders?

What you would do is read the answer choice after negating it. If the negation of the answer choice undermined the conclusion, then the original statement was necessary to the argument and was the correct answer. If, when you negate an answer choice, the conclusion is not affected then the answer choice was not necessary to the argument in the first place.

Here are answer choices (C) and (D) negated.

(C) Some engineers who work with computers keep paper and pencils near their computers in order to doodle and jot down ideas.

If this were true, this would not undermine the conclusion that if they incorporate these simulated notepads, the creative ideas will keep flowing. It certainly doesn't help the argument, but it doesn't suggest that the creative ideas will cease to flow.

(D) The physical act of working on paper is essential in providing engineers with the benefits that can be gained by doodling.

If this were true, then the simulated notepads would not yield the claimed benefits, because the act of doodling on paper will still not be achieved.

Hopefully this helps clear it up!

I'm just going to walk through the answer choices real quick in bullet form...

(A) is irrelevant to the argument's conclusion. How much time is spent on each task is never addressed.
(B) is irrelevant to the argument's conclusion. The fact that these pads are used for other purposes does not indicate that they are not properly used for flushing out creative ideas.
(C) is not necessary to the argument. This answer choice plays off of someone misinterpreting the conclusion as stating that these simulated notepads are necessary to having creative ideas. The word "if" in the conclusion however suggest the author implies that simulated notepads are sufficient for having creative ideas.
(D) is necessary to the argument. In order for these simulated notepads to be sufficient for creative ideas, it needs to be the case that the act of doodling is not essential for the creative ideas to occur.
(E) is not necessary. Maybe SOME of these ideas need to be incorporated. But there's no need for MOST of them to be.

[mridul_95]

Even though i get why D is right i have an issue with option B here.

It says:
(B)
Simulated notepads would not be used by engineers for any purpose other than typing up outlandish ideas.

if we negate this:

Simulated notepads would be used by engineers for any purpose other than typing up outlandish ideas.

Doesn't this mean that the SN would be used for everything but typing outlandish ideas?

And if they can't type up outlandish ideas on these simulated notepads then the conclusion that the undersirable consequences could be avoided falls apart.

I think the presence of any creates two distinct sets.

people who make use of these pads and people who don't.

Please clarify.