Information and IdeasVery hardFinding that weakens a claim about a cause
Information and Ideas practice question
A school claims that its new later start time improved pupils' attendance, noting that attendance rose from 91% to 95% in the term after the change.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the school's claim?
- A. The previous term's attendance had been depressed by a flu outbreak, and 95% is the school's normal level for the past five years.Correct
- B. Pupils say they like the later start.
- C. The later start was recommended by a sleep researcher.
- D. Other schools are considering later starts.
Answer: A. The previous term's attendance had been depressed by a flu outbreak, and 95% is the school's normal level for the past five years.
If 91% was an outbreak-year dip and 95% is normal, the rise is a return to baseline, not an effect of the change.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Pupils say they like the later start.
- Liking it doesn't show it caused the rise.
- C. The later start was recommended by a sleep researcher.
- A recommendation doesn't show effect.
- D. Other schools are considering later starts.
- Others' plans are irrelevant.
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