16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardFraming a finding as tentative

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Researchers found that people who keep houseplants reported lower stress. - The sample was 150 volunteers recruited through a gardening magazine. - The study did not measure stress before the participants acquired plants. - The researchers called for a controlled trial.

The student wants to present the finding while conveying that it is preliminary. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. People who keep houseplants reported lower stress, but the participants were gardening-magazine volunteers and no before-and-after comparison was made, so the researchers themselves call for a controlled trial.Correct
  2. B. Houseplants lower stress.
  3. C. The study had 150 participants.
  4. D. The researchers called for a controlled trial.

Answer: A. People who keep houseplants reported lower stress, but the participants were gardening-magazine volunteers and no before-and-after comparison was made, so the researchers themselves call for a controlled trial.

The finding, the two limitations, and the call for a proper trial.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Houseplants lower stress.
Presents the finding as settled.
C. The study had 150 participants.
Sample size alone.
D. The researchers called for a controlled trial.
The call without the finding it qualifies.

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