Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardFlaw in concluding cause from an observation
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A school finds that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests than students who do not. The school concludes that providing free breakfast will raise test scores. Which of the following best describes a weakness in this conclusion?
- A. Students who eat breakfast may differ from those who do not in other ways that affect scores, so the observation does not show that breakfast causes higher scores.Correct
- B. The sample of students is too small to show any pattern.
- C. Test scores cannot be compared between students.
- D. Breakfast has no effect on concentration.
Answer: A. Students who eat breakfast may differ from those who do not in other ways that affect scores, so the observation does not show that breakfast causes higher scores.
An observed link, not a controlled trial.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The sample of students is too small to show any pattern.
- No sample size is given, and the flaw is about causation.
- C. Test scores cannot be compared between students.
- Scores are routinely compared.
- D. Breakfast has no effect on concentration.
- The text does not establish this, and it is not the logical flaw.
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