A researcher conducted a survey and found that people who took vitamin C every day had fewer colds than people who did not take vitamin C every day. The researcher wrote a paper stating that vitamin C prevents colds, using this data as evidence. What is wrong with this conclusion?
The study relied on the observations of the consumers.
The study did not take into account other health-related factors.
The survey was administered to the general public.
The survey is not a reliable data collection method.
The correct answer is:
The study did not take into account other health-related factors.
While the researcher observed a correlation between taking vitamin C and having fewer colds, it does not necessarily mean that taking vitamin C directly prevents colds. There could be other factors such as a healthier lifestyle and overall stronger immune system among those who take vitamin C regularly. Therefore, it is important to consider other health-related factors that might have influenced the results, rather than solely attributing it to vitamin C.
The correct answer is: The survey is not a reliable data collection method.
The conclusion drawn by the researcher based on the survey data is flawed because surveys rely on self-reported information, which can be unreliable. There are several issues with using surveys as the basis for making broad claims like "vitamin C prevents colds":
1. Self-reporting bias: Survey participants may not accurately remember or report their daily vitamin C intake or the occurrence of colds, leading to inaccuracies in the data.
2. Confounding variables: The survey did not consider other factors that could contribute to the relationship observed. For example, people who take vitamin C supplements regularly might also engage in other healthy behaviors that can impact their immune system and reduce their likelihood of getting a cold.
3. Lack of control group: The survey administered to the general public did not include a comparison group of participants who did not take vitamin C, making it difficult to determine if vitamin C was truly responsible for the observed reduction in colds.
To obtain more reliable and valid results, a well-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT) would be preferable. RCTs involve a randomized assignment of participants into two or more groups, with one group receiving the treatment (in this case, vitamin C) and the other(s) receiving a placebo or another intervention. Additionally, proper control of confounding variables and careful data collection methods would strengthen the study's conclusions.