Wrapping up their comprehensive coverage of LSAT causality, Dave and Jon move from conceptual discussions of causation to an application-focused look at how causal reasoning is treated in the test’s various LR question types. Specifically, you’ll hear them address what to look for and how to best respond to causality in every context—from Weaken to Strengthen to Flaw and more—before touching on advanced cause and effect constructions, ensuring … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 84: Causal Reasoning Part I – The Nature of Basic LSAT Causality
After several months of LSAT-Flex reviews and admissions cycle analysis, Jon and Dave are getting back to basics with a conceptual overview of causal reasoning. In this episode they examine precisely how LSAT causality operates, the central assumption that makes it so vulnerable, common points of confusion including correlations and conditionality, and the key distinctions between causation in premises and conclusions. If you’re looking for a … [Read more...]
Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT Part III
In Part 2, we discuss two questions that specifically deal with Weaken and Assumption in correlation and causal reasoning questions on the LSAT. In the final part in this series, let's go over those questions. Be sure to read Part 1 and 2 in the series before diving in. Question #1 Let’s start by revisiting the first question. Advertisement: Pump3D is a nutritional supplement that can greatly reduce athletes’ fatigue after anaerobic exercise. … [Read more...]
Conditionality vs. Causality: Similarities and Differences
Did you know that conditional reasoning and causal reasoning can be found in over 30% of Logical Reasoning stimuli on the average LSAT? That's right; they're two of the most frequently tested, and most frequently misinterpreted, reasoning techniques on the test!In today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day, PowerScore Senior Developer Jon Denning advises a student on exactly how to differentiate between these two concepts. In addition, he outlines … [Read more...]
Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT Part II
This is the second article in a series that discusses Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT. Here is a typical stimulus containing a causal conclusion supported by a correlation. Advertisement: Pump3D is a nutritional supplement that can greatly reduce athletes’ fatigue after anaerobic exercise. This was shown by a study investigating the relationship between fatigue and high doses of guarana extract—the main ingredient in Pump3D which … [Read more...]
Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT Part I
The makers of the LSAT frequently create arguments that conflate correlation with causation, and thus you must understand the distinction between the two. This is the first in a 3 part series that discusses Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT. Let's get into it! Correlation & Causal Relationships In statistics, "correlation" refers to a statistical relationship between two interdependent variables (e.g. height and weight, studying … [Read more...]
A Causal Reasoning Smackdown
I recently had the great pleasure of teaching our free Causal Reasoning Secrets seminar, which is always a lot of fun. Getting into the spirit of things, I searched federal case law for opinions focusing on causal reasoning and found a doozy in Claar v. Burlington Northern R. Co., 29 F.3d 499 (C.A.9 (Mont.), 1994). Claar v. Burlington Northern R. Co. Twenty-seven employees brought a suit against the Burlington Northern Railroad Company. They … [Read more...]