The nutrition researchers at Excellent State U conducted an epidemiologic study of the students’ consumption of snacks from campus vending machines. They found that most first-year students purchased snacks from the vending machines and that the average weight gain for first-year students was 15-25 pounds during the year. Which of the following is an appropriate conclusion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study only found an association between purchasing snacks from vending machines and weight gain in first-year students, it did not establish a causal relationship. Therefore, the appropriate conclusion is that there may be an association between purchasing snacks from vending machines and gaining weight for first-year students. Option A and C are too conclusive and Option D goes beyond the scope of the study by making a generalized statement about all college students, when the study only focused on first-year students.

The Nutrition Researchers at Excellent State U Conducted an Epidemiologic