LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningEasy
A recent study found that individuals who regularly engage in creative hobbies, such as painting or playing a musical instrument, tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction than those who do not. The study concluded that engaging in creative hobbies directly enhances overall well-being. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the study's conclusion?
- AIndividuals with higher life satisfaction are more likely to seek out and pursue creative hobbies.
- BMany people who engage in creative hobbies also participate in team sports, which are known to boost mood.
- CThe study was conducted on a diverse group of participants from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
- DA follow-up experiment showed that when a control group was introduced to creative hobbies, their reported life satisfaction increased significantly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A follow-up experiment showed that when a control group was introduced to creative hobbies, their reported life satisfaction increased significantly.
To strengthen a causal conclusion (creative hobbies directly enhance well-being), evidence that shows the cause leading to the effect, especially under controlled conditions, is highly valuable. Option B provides such evidence through an experiment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Suggests that the relationship is reversed (higher satisfaction leads to hobbies), weakening the original causal conclusion.
- B. Suggests an alternative cause for increased life satisfaction, thus weakening the conclusion.
- C. Indicates good study design, but does not directly strengthen the causal link between hobbies and well-being; it only makes the findings more generalizable.
Strengthening a Causal Argument
To strengthen a causal argument, provide additional evidence that directly supports the proposed cause-and-effect relationship, often by eliminating alternative causes or showing the effect follows the cause.
- Eliminate alternative explanations for the observed effect.
- Show that the cause consistently precedes the effect.
- Provide experimental evidence where the cause is manipulated.
Memory trick: Stronger links make the argument stand tall and clear.