Following the scientific discovery that a specific brain structure is significantly larger in violent individuals than in those who are nonviolent,a news headline announced: "Enlarged Brain Structure Triggers Violent Acts." The headline writer should most clearly be warned about the dangers of
A) the placebo effect.
B) naturalistic observation.
C) confusing association with causation.
D) generalizing from unrepresentative samples.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The news headline shows a classic example of confusing association with causation. While the larger brain structure may be associated with violence, it doesn't necessarily cause violent acts. There could be other factors that contribute to violent behavior, such as environmental or genetic factors. Therefore, the headline writer should be warned about the dangers of jumping to conclusions and making causal claims based on a single correlation.

Following the Scientific Discovery That a Specific Brain Structure Is