16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardFraming a finding without overclaiming

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A study found that people who keep a daily diary reported lower stress. - The study followed 90 volunteers for three months. - Participants chose whether to keep a diary. - The authors note that people who choose to write may differ in other ways.

The student wants to present the finding while conveying that it does not prove that diary-keeping reduces stress. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Diary-keepers in the study reported lower stress, but since participants chose for themselves whether to write, the authors caution that writers may differ from non-writers in other ways.Correct
  2. B. Keeping a diary reduces stress.
  3. C. The study followed 90 volunteers.
  4. D. Participants chose whether to keep a diary.

Answer: A. Diary-keepers in the study reported lower stress, but since participants chose for themselves whether to write, the authors caution that writers may differ from non-writers in other ways.

The finding, the self-selection, and the authors' caution.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Keeping a diary reduces stress.
Overstates a correlational finding.
C. The study followed 90 volunteers.
Sample size only.
D. Participants chose whether to keep a diary.
The limitation without the finding.

More Expression of Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.