A nationwide study compared students who took calculus in high school to those who didn't, finding that calculus students earned higher scores in college science courses. However, when researchers matched students by SAT math scores and course-taking history, the advantage disappeared. High school calculus correlated with success because both reflect underlying math ability, not because calculus directly causes better science performance.
It can be inferred from the text that
taking high school calculus directly causes improved college science performance
SAT scores have no relationship to academic performance
correlation between two variables doesn't necessarily indicate a causal relationship
students should avoid taking calculus in high school
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The calculus-science correlation wasn't causal.
- Context clues: Initial correlation existed; when controlling for math ability, "the advantage disappeared."
- Meaning: The relationship was due to a third variable (math ability), not direct causation.
- Verify: Calculus and success "both reflect underlying math ability"—a shared cause.
💡 Strategy: When controlling for variables eliminates a correlation, infer the original correlation wasn't causal.
Choice A is incorrect because calculus doesn't "directly cause" better performance—the advantage disappeared with controls. Choice B is incorrect because SAT scores helped explain the relationship. Choice D is incorrect because the study doesn't advise against calculus.