A municipal study observed that cities with a higher number of public parks also report higher average levels of physical activity among their residents. Based on this observation, a researcher concluded that constructing public parks directly causes residents to become more physically active. Match each statement below with the logical role it plays in evaluating the researcher's causal claim.
- A study demonstrating that residents significantly increase their weekly exercise routines after a new park opens in their neighborhood.Strengthens the argument by providing evidence consistent with direct causality.
- A survey indicating that individuals who are already highly active actively choose to relocate to cities with numerous existing parks.Weakens the argument by suggesting reverse causality (effect driving cause).
- Data showing that wealthier cities independently fund both extensive park construction and public fitness initiatives.Weakens the argument by introducing a confounding variable (common underlying cause).
Answer
Statement 1 strengthens the direct causal claim; Statement 2 demonstrates reverse causality; Statement 3 identifies a confounding common cause.
The correct matches accurately distinguish between evidence supporting direct causation, evidence illustrating reverse causation, and evidence establishing a third-variable confounder.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Causal Reasoning and Logical Roles in Correlation Analysis