A study examined poverty rates (% of population) in four neighborhoods that varied by school quality (high/low) and access to public transit (high/low): Neighborhood A, high schools + high transit, 6%; B, high schools + low transit, 11%; C, low schools + high transit, 18%; D, low schools + low transit, 24%. The researchers argued that <em>both</em> school quality and transit access independently affect poverty. The strongest data support for the <em>independent</em> role of transit is ______
Which choice most logically completes the text using the data above?
- A
the comparison A vs. D, showing both effects.
- B
Neighborhood D's highest poverty rate.
- Ccheck_circle
the comparison A vs. B (both high schools, but transit difference: 6% → 11%) and C vs. D (both low schools: 18% → 24%)—transit raises poverty by 5-6 points in each pair.
- D
Neighborhood A's poverty rate of 6%.
Explanation
To show transit independently affects poverty, hold school quality constant and vary transit. Choice B does this in both school-quality strata, showing transit alone shifts poverty by 5-6 points each time.