Parallel ReasoningDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Just because two things happen together doesn't mean the first one caused the second; it could actually be the other way around.
Conclusion: A correlation between education and math ability does not necessarily mean that education is the cause of that ability.
Reasoning: It is equally possible that the causal direction is reversed, with high math ability leading to higher levels of education.
Analysis: The researcher identifies a correlation and then warns against a specific causal interpretation by offering an alternative 'reverse' cause. You are looking for an answer choice that follows this exact 'A and B are related, but maybe B causes A instead of A causing B' template. Focus on the transition from an observed link to a skeptical rejection of the most obvious explanation.
Conclusion: A correlation between education and math ability does not necessarily mean that education is the cause of that ability.
Reasoning: It is equally possible that the causal direction is reversed, with high math ability leading to higher levels of education.
Analysis: The researcher identifies a correlation and then warns against a specific causal interpretation by offering an alternative 'reverse' cause. You are looking for an answer choice that follows this exact 'A and B are related, but maybe B causes A instead of A causing B' template. Focus on the transition from an observed link to a skeptical rejection of the most obvious explanation.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage16.The reasoning of the researcher's argument is most similar to that of which one of the following arguments?
Correct Answer
B
B mirrors the structure: Professionals outperform amateurs, but that doesn’t prove turning pro improves performance; perhaps better performers become professionals. That matches the original’s selection-bias alternative causing the observed correlation.
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