A public health official proposes a city-wide ban on sugary drinks in schools, arguing that this will significantly reduce childhood obesity rates. Critics argue that such a ban would simply lead students to purchase sugary drinks off-campus, thereby negating any positive health effects. Which of the following, if true, would most effectively counter this compensatory behavior argument?
- AStudies show that students often consume sugary drinks bought off-campus even when they are available on-campus.
- BChildhood obesity rates have been steadily increasing in the city over the past decade despite various health initiatives.
- CThe city also plans to launch a comprehensive nutrition education program for students and parents.
- DThe majority of schools in the city are located in areas with no off-campus stores selling sugary drinks within a reasonable walking distance.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The majority of schools in the city are located in areas with no off-campus stores selling sugary drinks within a reasonable walking distance.
Critics argue students will buy drinks off-campus. If most schools lack nearby off-campus options, it directly undermines the feasibility of that compensatory behavior, making it much less likely to occur. This directly counters the critics' argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This actually supports the critics' argument by showing that off-campus purchases are already a factor, suggesting a ban might not change behavior.
- B. This provides context for the problem but doesn't address the specific compensatory behavior argument about off-campus purchases.
- C. This is a complementary measure that might reduce overall sugary drink consumption, but it doesn't directly counter the specific argument that students would seek drinks *off-campus* if banned on-campus.
Countering Compensatory Behavior
To counter a compensatory behavior argument means to introduce information that demonstrates why the predicted alternative action, intended to circumvent a restriction, is unlikely to occur or have the predicted negative impact.
- Address the feasibility or likelihood of the 'compensatory' action.
- Show that the means to perform the compensatory action are limited or absent.
- Undermine the motivation or opportunity for the alternative behavior.
Memory trick: BEHAVIOR: Break Every Habit, Verify Alternative Hypotheses, Identify Obstacles, Reinforce Good Outcomes.