A medical-journal article argues that daily curcumin consumption lowers COVID-19 risk: participants consuming at least a teaspoon of extract daily were half as likely to be diagnosed as nonconsumers. Which additional fact most weakens that causal argument?
A different study found much lower diagnoses among zinc-supplement users.
All participants lived in the same state, where no other herbs or spices are consumed.
Curcumin consumers were also more likely to exercise than nonconsumers.
In another study, curcumin did not improve recovery among already diagnosed patients.
Correct answer: (C) Curcumin consumers were also more likely to exercise than nonconsumers.
Explanation
C supplies a confounder: the two groups differ in exercise as well as curcumin use. Thus the observed association need not be caused by curcumin. A concerns another supplement, B removes one difference, and D concerns treatment after diagnosis rather than disease incidence. This evaluates the article’s argument, not the truth of a treatment claim.
More Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Understanding relationships in statements or short passages and drawing reasonable conclusions and inferences; thinking critically to evaluate or predict an argument, identify the main and supporting arguments and predict outcomes questions
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