Suppose you wish to determine whether exercising increases academic achievement.What would be the best approach to take?
A) Compare the achievements of athletes with those of nonathletes.
B) Compare the achievements of baseball players with those of track and field athletes.
C) Compare treatment and control groups in a randomized trial.
D) Compare yourself with a friend who exercises less.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best approach is to compare treatment and control groups in a randomized trial. This method ensures that any observed differences in academic achievement are due to the exercise treatment, rather than other factors such as pre-existing differences between athletes and nonathletes. Random assignment to treatment and control groups also minimizes the effects of confounding variables that may impact academic achievement. Comparing oneself to a friend who exercises less is a biased comparison that does not control for other confounding variables. Comparing achievements of athletes in different sports (option B) may be confounded by sport-specific training and competition demands.

Suppose You Wish to Determine Whether Exercising Increases Academic Achievement