Researcher Dr. Maria Santos claims that learning a musical instrument enhances children's mathematical abilities. She proposes that the pattern recognition and spatial reasoning required in music transfer to mathematical thinking.
Which study result would most directly support Santos's claim about the connection between music and math?
Children who play instruments practice an average of 45 minutes per day
Students with two years of piano training scored 15% higher on geometry tests than matched peers without musical training
Music students reported enjoying school more than non-music students
Parents of music students have higher average education levels
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This shows measurable improvement in mathematical performance (15% higher geometry scores) comparing students with and without musical training.
- Context clues: The claim is about music enhancing "mathematical abilities."
- Evidence evaluation: Geometry tests measure math ability; matched peers controls for other factors.
- Verify: Spatial reasoning in geometry connects to Santos's proposed mechanism.
💡 Strategy: Matched comparison studies isolate the variable being tested.
Choice A is incorrect because practice time doesn't measure mathematical improvement. Choice C is incorrect because enjoyment doesn't demonstrate cognitive transfer. Choice D is incorrect because parental education is a confounding variable, not evidence.