medium · SAT Math
A researcher surveyed a large random sample of adults, recording how often each one exercised and how happy each one reported feeling. The data showed a strong positive correlation between frequency of exercise and reported happiness, and the researcher concluded that exercising more frequently causes an increase in happiness.
Which statement best identifies the flaw in the researcher's conclusion?
- The reported happiness levels came from participants themselves rather than from an objective measurement.
- The sample was too small to support a conclusion about the whole population.
- The researcher should have included a control group of adults who did not exercise.
- Because participants chose their exercise habits, an unmeasured trait like health may explain both patterns.
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