8

Set 5: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

A longitudinal study tracking individuals over four decades found that childhood self-control was a stronger predictor of adult health, wealth, and criminal history than either IQ or socioeconomic background. Critics note, however, that self-control itself may be shaped by early environment, complicating claims about its independent predictive power.

What complexity does the critics' point add to interpreting the study?

A. Self-control is entirely genetic and unchangeable.
B. The factors being compared may be interrelated rather than truly independent.✓ Correct
C. IQ has no relationship to life outcomes.
D. Environment has no effect on child development.

Detailed Explanation

If self-control is shaped by environment, it's not independent of socioeconomic background—factors are interrelated.

Key Evidence:

• "self-control may be shaped by early environment"

• "complicating claims about independent predictive power"

Why others are wrong: A (Critics suggest environment shapes it.), C (IQ was a predictor, just weaker.), D (Environment 'shapes' self-control.).

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