Question
A study has found that if a person has participated in a smoking cessation program in his or her lifetime, the person will have a lower life expectancy than a member of the general population.
The study concludes that smoking cessation programs lower life expectancy and recommends that no one attend them. Why is the conclusion flawed?
Responses
A Correlation always implies causation.Correlation always implies causation.
B The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.
C Correlation shown in an observational study is never reliable.Correlation shown in an observational study is never reliable.
D The conclusion assumes correlation, when only causation has been shown.
The study concludes that smoking cessation programs lower life expectancy and recommends that no one attend them. Why is the conclusion flawed?
Responses
A Correlation always implies causation.Correlation always implies causation.
B The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.
C Correlation shown in an observational study is never reliable.Correlation shown in an observational study is never reliable.
D The conclusion assumes correlation, when only causation has been shown.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct response is:
**B The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.**
The study found a correlation between participation in smoking cessation programs and lower life expectancy, but it does not provide evidence that participating in these programs causes a reduction in life expectancy. Other factors could be influencing both the participation in cessation programs and life expectancy, leading to a flawed conclusion if causation is assumed without further evidence.
**B The conclusion assumes causation, when only correlation has been shown.**
The study found a correlation between participation in smoking cessation programs and lower life expectancy, but it does not provide evidence that participating in these programs causes a reduction in life expectancy. Other factors could be influencing both the participation in cessation programs and life expectancy, leading to a flawed conclusion if causation is assumed without further evidence.