If students who completed a study skills course raised their grade point averages,can we conclude that the course caused their improvement?
A) Yes, because the scientific data was collected.
B) Yes, because a negative correlation exists between these students' grade point averages before and after taking the course.
C) Yes, because the course resulted in a self-fulfilling prophecy.
D) No, because there was no control group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without a control group, we cannot rule out alternative explanations for why the students' grades improved, such as that they were simply more motivated or had other extraneous factors affecting their academic performance. Therefore, we cannot conclude that the course caused the improvement.

If Students Who Completed a Study Skills Course Raised Their