A corporate health study observed a strong positive correlation between weekly consumption of energy drinks and reported workplace stress levels among software engineers. The researchers hypothesized that the high caffeine content in energy drinks directly causes increased workplace stress.
Which of the following statements, if true, provide either valid evidence supporting the researchers' causal hypothesis or a valid alternative causal explanation for the observed correlation? Select all that apply.
- Engineers who participated in a four-week trial eliminating energy drinks reported a statistically significant decrease in their workplace stress levels.Answer
- Engineers experiencing severe workplace stress often consume energy drinks as a coping mechanism to sustain focus during long hours.Answer
- CHigher workplace stress levels cause engineers to develop metabolic changes that reduce the physiological impact of caffeine.
- DEnergy drinks are generally more expensive than other caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea.
- ESoftware engineers who report low stress levels tend to prefer working during morning hours rather than late nights.
Answer
The correct selections are the statement demonstrating that eliminating energy drinks reduces stress levels, and the statement explaining that workplace stress leads engineers to consume energy drinks.
The correct options are the statement showing that removing energy drinks lowers stress levels (which directly supports the causal hypothesis) and the statement revealing that high stress leads to energy drink consumption (which presents a valid reverse-causality alternative explanation for the observed correlation).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Evaluating Causal Arguments and Alternative Explanations