Psychologist: A recent study showed that individuals who regularly meditate report significantly lower stress levels than those who do not. This demonstrates that meditation is an effective tool for stress reduction.
- AThe psychologist assumes that lower stress levels are solely a result of meditation.
- BThe psychologist overlooks the possibility that some individuals might find meditation to be stressful.
- CThe psychologist does not define 'regularly meditate' or 'significantly lower stress levels'.
- DThe psychologist fails to consider that individuals who choose to meditate might already have personality traits that lead to lower stress.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The psychologist fails to consider that individuals who choose to meditate might already have personality traits that lead to lower stress.
This argument commits a self-selection bias flaw. It observes a correlation between meditation and lower stress and concludes causation. However, people who *choose* to meditate might already be more predisposed to managing stress effectively or have other characteristics that contribute to lower stress, making it unclear if meditation itself is the cause or merely a characteristic of already less stressed individuals.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a general statement of a causal flaw, but 'B' is more specific about *why* the causal link is flawed in this context.
- B. While possible for some individuals, this does not invalidate the general claim about typical meditation effectiveness, nor does it address the self-selection bias.
- C. Lack of precise definitions is a minor weakness, not the fundamental logical flaw in the causal inference.
Self-Selection Bias (LSAT)
A flaw in reasoning where conclusions are drawn from a sample that is not representative of the broader population because the individuals in the sample have chosen to be there, and their choice is related to the outcome being studied.
- Often seen in studies where participants volunteer.
- Makes it difficult to attribute causation solely to the intervention.
- Requires considering pre-existing differences in the self-selected group.
Memory trick: Did they choose the group, or did the group make them choose?