Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardCoffee and insomnia
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A study finds that adults who drink coffee every day report insomnia more often than adults who do not. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this finding?
- A. Daily coffee drinking is associated with insomnia, but the study does not show that one causes the other.Correct
- B. Drinking coffee every day causes insomnia.
- C. Insomnia causes people to drink coffee every day.
- D. The study's finding must be an error.
Answer: A. Daily coffee drinking is associated with insomnia, but the study does not show that one causes the other.
An observed association can run either way, or arise from a third factor.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Drinking coffee every day causes insomnia.
- People with insomnia may drink coffee to cope with tiredness.
- C. Insomnia causes people to drink coffee every day.
- The reverse is equally unproven.
- D. The study's finding must be an error.
- The finding can be real without proving causation.
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