Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumRecognising reverse causation
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A survey found that people who own more books tend to be in better health. Which of the following alternative explanations is an example of REVERSE causation — the outcome causing the supposed cause?
- A. Healthier people, having more energy, read more and therefore buy more books.Correct
- B. Higher income leads both to owning more books and to better health.
- C. The survey's sample was too small to be reliable.
- D. Owning books causes people to become healthier.
Answer: A. Healthier people, having more energy, read more and therefore buy more books.
Reverse causation means health drives book ownership rather than the other way round — exactly choice A.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Higher income leads both to owning more books and to better health.
- Income affecting both is a CONFOUNDING variable, not reverse causation.
- C. The survey's sample was too small to be reliable.
- Sample size is a question of reliability, not of the direction of cause.
- D. Owning books causes people to become healthier.
- That is the original claimed direction, not its reverse.
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