Question

The following memo appeared in the newsletter of the West Meria Public Health Council. “An innovative treatment has come to our attention that promises to significantly reduce absenteeism in our schools and workplaces. A study reports that in nearby East Meria, where consumption of the plant beneficia is very high, people visit the doctor only once or twice per year for the treatment of colds. Clearly, eating a substantial amount of beneficia can prevent colds. Since colds are the reason most frequently given for absences from school and work, we recommend the daily use of nutritional supplements derived from beneficia. We predict this will dramatically reduce absenteeism in our schools and workplaces.”
Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.

Hint:

When evaluating health-related claims, always seek alternative explanations and consider broader contextual factors before accepting a single cause.

Answer 1

While the suggestion that daily use of beneficia supplements could reduce absenteeism is compelling, it is important to consider other factors that might explain the lower absenteeism in East Meria. One key alternative explanation is that the reduced absenteeism might not be caused by the consumption of beneficia, but rather by other aspects of the health and wellness practices in East Meria. For instance, it is possible that people in East Meria have better access to healthcare, healthier lifestyles, or a lower stress environment, all of which could contribute to fewer sick days.
Another factor to consider is the cultural differences between East Meria and West Meria. The study might not have controlled for other social or environmental variables, such as work culture, school attendance policies, or even the economic status of individuals in the two areas. Perhaps the people in East Meria have a different approach to illness, such as less frequent use of sick leave, or greater community support for maintaining health.
Additionally, the claim that beneficia prevents colds is based on the assumption that the plant’s effects are the primary cause of reduced absenteeism, but this may not be substantiated by scientific evidence. There might be other factors, such as improved sanitation or better nutrition, that contribute more directly to reduced illness rates.
In conclusion, while the idea of using beneficia as a remedy is intriguing, it is essential to consider a broader range of explanations for the observed reduction in absenteeism, including healthcare practices, cultural factors, and the quality of life in East Meria.