Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardJudging a claim of cause from a comparison
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A study finds that towns with more bicycle lanes have lower rates of heart disease. A council concludes that building bicycle lanes will reduce heart disease in its town. Which of the following best describes a weakness in this reasoning?
- A. Towns that build bicycle lanes may differ from others in wealth, age, or habits that themselves affect heart disease.Correct
- B. Bicycle lanes cannot affect health in any way.
- C. The study should have counted cars instead.
- D. Heart disease cannot be measured by town.
Answer: A. Towns that build bicycle lanes may differ from others in wealth, age, or habits that themselves affect heart disease.
An association across towns can have other causes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Bicycle lanes cannot affect health in any way.
- Too strong; lanes might help, but the study does not show it.
- C. The study should have counted cars instead.
- Cars are not the issue.
- D. Heart disease cannot be measured by town.
- Rates by town are measurable.
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