An article in a psychology journal claims that young students who play a musical instrument tend to have higher test scores on state math exams. Which statement most likely describes the relationship between playing an instrument and state math exam scores?
Answer
A
Students who have high math scores should be encouraged to play a musical instrument so they become proficient with music as well.
B
Students who play a musical instrument tend to excel in other skills, which may explain their higher math scores.
C
Students who do not play musical instruments do not have high scores on state math exams.
D
Playing a musical instrument causes a student to become better at solving math problems.
Explanation
The article describes an association: students who play an instrument tend to have higher math scores. That alone does not show that playing an instrument causes better math ability. Choice D allows that students may excel in other skills that help explain the association; choice B incorrectly claims a cause-and-effect relationship.
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