Text 1: Psychologist Dr. Mary Foster studies self-esteem education. "Building children's self-esteem improves academic and social outcomes," Foster writes. "Positive self-regard motivates achievement. Schools should foster students' confidence."
Text 2: Researcher Dr. Paul West examines achievement and esteem relationships. "High self-esteem often results from achievement rather than causing it," West reports. "Praising regardless of performance can create fragile confidence. Self-esteem follows from competence developed through effort."
What does West suggest about the causal relationship Foster assumes?
That self-esteem cannot be measured
That the causal direction may run opposite to Foster's assumption
That schools cannot affect children
That achievement has no relationship to self-esteem
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Foster assumes esteem → achievement. West suggests achievement → esteem may be the direction. "Results from achievement rather than causing it" reverses Foster's causal arrow.
- Evidence: West: esteem "results from achievement."
- Reasoning: Foster's intervention might target effect, not cause.
- Conclusion: Causal direction may be reversed from Foster's assumption.
Choice A is incorrect because West studies measured esteem. Choice C is incorrect because West discusses school effects. Choice D is incorrect because West accepts relationship, questions direction.