A nationally representative random sample of 5,000 adults reports their daily soda consumption and BMI. Researchers find that higher soda consumption is associated with higher BMI.
Which conclusion is best supported?
- A
Drinking soda causes higher BMI in U.S. adults
- Bcheck_circle
The association generalizes to U.S. adults, but no causal claim can be made
- C
Higher BMI causes more soda drinking
- D
Neither generalization nor causation is justified
Explanation
Random sampling permits generalization, but it is an observational study (no random assignment), so causal claims are not justified due to potential confounding.