Text 1: Political scientist Dr. Susan Wright studies democratization. "Economic development precedes stable democracy," Wright argues. "Prosperity creates educated middle classes who demand political participation. Premature democratization before economic development often fails."
Text 2: Development economist Dr. David Park examines reverse causation. "The democracy-development correlation doesn't establish direction," Park notes. "Democratic institutions may themselves promote economic growth through rule of law and property rights. Perhaps democracy enables development, not vice versa."
What methodological issue does Park raise regarding Wright's argument?
That democracy and development are unrelated
That correlation doesn't establish which variable causes which
That economic data cannot be measured
That political science is not a legitimate field
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park notes correlation "doesn't establish direction"—Wright assumes development causes democracy, but causation might run the opposite way. This is the classic direction-of-causation problem.
- Evidence: Park: "Perhaps democracy enables development, not vice versa."
- Reasoning: Observed correlation doesn't prove Wright's causal order.
- Conclusion: Park raises reverse causation as an alternative.
Choice A is incorrect because Park accepts they're related. Choice C is incorrect because Park doesn't dispute measurement. Choice D is incorrect because Park engages substantively.