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Expression of IdeasVery hardFraming a finding with appropriate caution

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A study of 2,000 adults found that those who drank coffee daily had a 12% lower rate of a certain illness. - The study was observational; participants chose their own coffee intake. - Coffee drinkers in the study were also more likely to exercise regularly. - The authors say the link should be tested in a controlled trial.

The student wants to report the finding while making clear that it does not prove that coffee prevents the illness. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Daily coffee drinkers had a 12% lower rate of the illness, but because they also exercised more and chose their own intake, the authors say only a controlled trial can show whether coffee itself is responsible.Correct
  2. B. Coffee prevents the illness.
  3. C. The study had 2,000 participants.
  4. D. Coffee drinkers exercised more.

Answer: A. Daily coffee drinkers had a 12% lower rate of the illness, but because they also exercised more and chose their own intake, the authors say only a controlled trial can show whether coffee itself is responsible.

The finding, the confound, and the authors' own caution.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Coffee prevents the illness.
Overstates a correlational finding.
C. The study had 2,000 participants.
Sample size alone.
D. Coffee drinkers exercised more.
The confound without the finding.

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