Information and IdeasVery hardFinding that weakens a claim about a cause of improvement
Information and Ideas practice question
A hospital claims that its new hand-washing campaign cut infection rates on the wards, pointing to a 30% fall in infections in the six months after the campaign began.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the hospital's claim?
- A. In the same six months the hospital replaced its ventilation system and began screening all patients on admission, and infections fell just as much on a ward where the campaign had not yet started.Correct
- B. Staff say they wash their hands more often.
- C. The campaign used posters and reminders.
- D. Infection rates are measured monthly.
Answer: A. In the same six months the hospital replaced its ventilation system and began screening all patients on admission, and infections fell just as much on a ward where the campaign had not yet started.
Other changes at the same time, and an equal fall where the campaign hadn't begun.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Staff say they wash their hands more often.
- Supports the claim, if anything.
- C. The campaign used posters and reminders.
- Describes the campaign, not its effect.
- D. Infection rates are measured monthly.
- Measurement frequency is irrelevant.
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