A study conducted at Elmwood University found that students who engaged in regular exercise—at least 150 minutes per week—reported significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety than those who exercised less frequently. Based on these findings, the university's health center concluded that increasing exercise among the student population would significantly improve overall mental health on campus.
Which of the following questions would be most useful to evaluate in determining the strength of the health center's conclusion?The study shows a correlation: students who exercise more report less stress and anxiety. The conclusion assumes that exercise causes better mental health.
The key question is whether the causation could run the other way: maybe students with lower stress are simply more likely to exercise.
A. Do students who exercise regularly also tend to maintain healthier dietary habits, which could independently affect their physical or mental health?
This is relevant, but not the strongest. Diet could be another factor, but the main issue is whether exercise itself causes lower stress and anxiety.
B. Which specific types of exercise were most commonly practiced by the students in the study?
This is not central. The conclusion is about increasing exercise generally, not about comparing different types of exercise.
C. Are students who already have lower levels of stress and anxiety more likely to find the time and motivation to exercise regularly?
This is correct. If less-stressed students are more likely to exercise in the first place, then exercise may not be causing the lower stress. The study’s correlation would not strongly support the health center’s
causal conclusion.
D. How do the average stress and anxiety levels of Elmwood University students compare to those of students at peer institutions?
This is irrelevant to the causal issue within Elmwood. The conclusion is about whether more exercise would improve mental health on that campus.
E. Is the 150-minute weekly exercise threshold consistent with the guidelines recommended by national health organizations?
This is not central. Even if 150 minutes is a standard guideline, that does not show that increasing exercise will reduce stress and anxiety.
Answer: (C)