Question

Excessive sugar-sweetened beverage intake correlates with higher cavity rates. A claim is made that such beverages cause cavities. Which, if true, most weakens the causal claim?

• A. Participants with high sugar-sweetened beverage consumption were also found to have poorer oral hygiene and less frequent dental check-ups compared to low-consumption participants.
• B. The study’s large sample size included diverse populations, which may have introduced uncontrolled variability affecting the observed correlation.
• C. Surveys indicate that many dental professionals believe sugar contributes to cavities, regardless of other lifestyle factors.
• D. Evidence shows that cavity formation depends on multiple factors, including genetics, diet, and oral microbiome, and sugar alone may not be sufficient to cause cavities.

Hint:

For causal reasoning questions, check if other factors could explain the observed effect; this weakens a simple causal claim.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify the causal claim — “sugar-sweetened beverages cause cavities.”
Step 2: Look for evidence that undermines a direct cause-effect link — Option (d) shows that cavities result from multiple factors, so sugar alone may not cause cavities.
Step 3: Conclusion — Option (d) weakens the causal claim.