The correct answer is (E).
(E) Method of Argument
Step 1: Identify the Question Type
A question that asks you to identify the method, strategy, or technique employed by the author is a Method of Argument question. Focus on the structure, or how the author constructs the argument.
Step 2: Untangle the Stimulus
Gamba first points out someone else's claim: Muñoz believes that there is citywide opposition to a new water system, based on an overwhelming vote by a neighborhood association. Gamba then attacks Muñoz's evidence. Gamba points out that only 25 of 350 members voted, and only 15 of those opposed the new water system. Finally, Gamba asserts that "the 15 opposing votes represent far less than 1 percent of Hopeville's population." Gamba then concludes that "so few votes" should not be taken as representative of the majority of residents.
Step 3: Make a Prediction
With enough Flaw question practice, you should recognize the classic LSAT flaw of representativeness that Gamba highlights. Gamba attacks the assumption that a subset or survey group represents the broader population. Notice, however, that Gamba's conclusion is that Mu?oz's claim is not necessarily correct; Gamba does not go so far as to say the claim is incorrect or, further, that the city supports the water system.
Step 4: Evaluate the Answer Choices
(E) is correct. This describes exactly what the author does. Gamba tries to cast doubt on Muñoz's conclusion by claiming that 15 opposing votes is too small a percentage to be representative.
(A) is Half-Right/Half-Wrong. The first part is accurate, but Gamba questions the vote by saying the number of voters is too small to be representative. Gamba does not suggest that the representativeness flaw is because people with certain views are more likely to vote.
(B) is a Distortion. Gamba argues that the statistical data is insufficient, not that it can be manipulated to support any view.
(C) is not an accurate description of what the author does. At a very general level, in LSAT arguments, the truth of the premises usually does not guarantee the truth of the conclusion. Gamba points out something more specific. Indeed, in this case, the author does not necessarily accept the truth of Muñoz's premise, which is that the neighborhood association overwhelmingly opposes the new water system. Muñoz uses the association's opposition to claim that there is citywide opposition. Gamba, however, points out that the vote was not overwhelming. Also, Gamba is not trying to refute Muñoz's conclusion; Gamba merely points out that it does not necessarily follow.
(D) is incorrect because Gamba accepts the accuracy of the numbers in the vote. Gamba merely says those numbers don't necessarily mean what Muñoz says they do. The possibility of confirming or disconfirming the evidence is Out of Scope.
