Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumDesign to test whether breakfast raises scores
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
Researchers observed that students who eat breakfast tend to score higher on morning tests. Which study design would best test whether eating breakfast causes higher scores?
- A. Randomly assign students to eat or to skip breakfast, then compare their morning test scores.Correct
- B. Survey more students about whether they eat breakfast.
- C. Compare the scores of students who choose to eat breakfast with those who choose not to.
- D. Ask teachers which students seem hungry.
Answer: A. Randomly assign students to eat or to skip breakfast, then compare their morning test scores.
Random assignment separates the effect of breakfast from the kind of student who chooses it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Survey more students about whether they eat breakfast.
- A larger survey still cannot show cause.
- C. Compare the scores of students who choose to eat breakfast with those who choose not to.
- Self-chosen groups may differ in other ways.
- D. Ask teachers which students seem hungry.
- Impressions are not a test.
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