4

Set 2: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

Researchers studying classroom dynamics found that students seated near the front of the room performed better on exams. However, further analysis revealed that high-achieving students self-selected front seats, while struggling students tended to sit in the back. When seating was randomly assigned, the correlation between seat location and performance largely disappeared.

What can be inferred about the initial correlation between seating and performance?

A. Sitting in front directly causes better grades.
B. The correlation was likely driven by student characteristics rather than seat position itself.✓ Correct
C. Random seating assignments harm student performance.
D. All students prefer to sit in the back.

Detailed Explanation

Self-selection explained the pattern; random assignment eliminated it—seat position wasn't the cause.

Key Evidence:

• "high-achieving students self-selected front seats"

• "correlation largely disappeared with random assignment"

Why others are wrong: A (Random assignment removed the effect—not causal.), C (Random seating just removed the correlation.), D (High achievers preferred the front.).

← PreviousNext →