A 2022 study examined whether expanding child-tax-credit programs affected child-poverty rates. Researchers reported child-poverty changes (% over 1 year) in four states adopting expanded credits, alongside changes in matched non-expansion states: State 1, -1.4 (vs. -1.5 match); 2, -8.0 (vs. -2.0 match); 3, -1.0 (vs. -0.8 match); 4, -10.5 (vs. -1.5 match). The researchers argued the expansion produced real reductions only in States 2 and 4. The strongest support is ______
Which choice most logically completes the text using the data above?
- Acheck_circle
the contrast: States 2 and 4 had declines that exceeded their matches by 6 and 9 points, while States 1 and 3 nearly matched their controls.
- B
State 1's decline of 1.4 points.
- C
the average decline across states.
- D
State 4's largest absolute decline of 10.5 points.
Explanation
"Real reductions only in States 2 and 4" requires comparing each adoption state to its match. Choice B captures the 6 and 9 point excess declines in 2 and 4, while noting 1 and 3 nearly matched their controls.