Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardWhat a correlation does and doesn't show
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A study of 800 adults found that those who ate breakfast regularly had, on average, lower body weight than those who skipped it. Which of the following is the most appropriate conclusion?
- A. Breakfast eating is associated with lower body weight among the adults studied, but the study does not show that eating breakfast causes lower weight.Correct
- B. Eating breakfast causes weight loss.
- C. Skipping breakfast has no relationship to weight.
- D. Every adult who eats breakfast weighs less than every adult who skips it.
Answer: A. Breakfast eating is associated with lower body weight among the adults studied, but the study does not show that eating breakfast causes lower weight.
An observational study shows association; other differences between the groups could explain it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Eating breakfast causes weight loss.
- Cause can't be concluded without random assignment.
- C. Skipping breakfast has no relationship to weight.
- The study did find a relationship.
- D. Every adult who eats breakfast weighs less than every adult who skips it.
- Averages say nothing about every individual.
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