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Shortcut used: Identify the social level, define the concept, connect it to evidence, check confounding, and reject choices that overstate causation.
Solve in 3 steps:
- Mark the given values and the exact target.
- Apply the relevant formula, rule, or concept.
- Check the final value against the options.
Common mistake: Do not choose an option before confirming the exact demand of the question.
Question 3
Multiple Choice Question
Question
PASSAGE 1 — NEIGHBORHOODS AND HEALTH
Researchers compared adults living in two districts. District L had fewer grocery stores selling fresh food, fewer safe walking paths, and longer travel times to primary-care clinics than District H. Residents of District L also had lower average household income and a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. After the researchers statistically adjusted for age and individual income, the association between district and diabetes became smaller but remained present. The investigators cautioned that their cross-sectional design could not establish which condition came first.
QUESTION 3: Which limitation most directly prevents the study from establishing that district conditions caused diabetes?
Explanation
Correct Answer: C
ANSWER
Correct Answer: C
Method / Topic: Sociology
The correct answer is C: Exposure and disease were assessed at one time. A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited.
Why this answer is correct
The correct option matches the required rule and the given information.
Short Explanation
The correct answer is C: Exposure and disease were assessed at one time. A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited.
Detailed Explanation
Question
PASSAGE 1 — NEIGHBORHOODS AND HEALTH
Researchers compared adults living in two districts. District L had fewer grocery stores selling fresh food, fewer safe walking paths, and longer travel times to primary-care clinics than District H. Residents of District L also had lower average household income and a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. After the researchers statistically adjusted for age and individual income, the association between district and diabetes became smaller but remained present. The investigators cautioned that their cross-sectional design could not establish which condition came first.
QUESTION 3: Which limitation most directly prevents the study from establishing that district conditions caused diabetes?
ANSWER
Correct Answer: C
Method / Topic: Sociology
A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited. First identify the social level being tested: individual interaction, group, institution, neighborhood, or population. Define the relevant sociological concept in plain language and connect each clue in the stem or passage to that definition. For research
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Question 3
Learn + Solve: Shortcut, Trap & Fast Route Click to view shortcut, steps, and common mistake
Learn + solve
Shortcut used, common trap, and the fastest solving route
Shortcut used: Identify the social level, define the concept, connect it to evidence, check confounding, and reject choices that overstate causation.
Solve in 3 steps:
- Mark the given values and the exact target.
- Apply the relevant formula, rule, or concept.
- Check the final value against the options.
Common mistake: Do not choose an option before confirming the exact demand of the question.
Question
PASSAGE 1 — NEIGHBORHOODS AND HEALTH Researchers compared adults living in two districts. District L had fewer grocery stores selling fresh food, fewer safe walking paths, and longer travel times to primary-care clinics than District H. Residents of District L also had lower average household income and a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. After the researchers statistically adjusted for age and individual income, the association between district and diabetes became smaller but remained present. The investigators cautioned that their cross-sectional design could not establish which condition came first. QUESTION 3: Which limitation most directly prevents the study from establishing that district conditions caused diabetes?
Explanation
Correct Answer: C
ANSWER
Correct Answer: C
Method / Topic: Sociology
The correct answer is C: Exposure and disease were assessed at one time. A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited.
Why this answer is correct
The correct option matches the required rule and the given information.
Short Explanation
The correct answer is C: Exposure and disease were assessed at one time. A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited.
Detailed Explanation
Question
PASSAGE 1 — NEIGHBORHOODS AND HEALTH
Researchers compared adults living in two districts. District L had fewer grocery stores selling fresh food, fewer safe walking paths, and longer travel times to primary-care clinics than District H. Residents of District L also had lower average household income and a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. After the researchers statistically adjusted for age and individual income, the association between district and diabetes became smaller but remained present. The investigators cautioned that their cross-sectional design could not establish which condition came first.
QUESTION 3: Which limitation most directly prevents the study from establishing that district conditions caused diabetes?
ANSWER
Correct Answer: C
Method / Topic: Sociology
A cross-sectional study measures exposure and outcome at the same general time, so temporal order is uncertain. Without knowing that neighborhood exposure preceded disease, causal inference is limited. First identify the social level being tested: individual interaction, group, institution, neighborhood, or population. Define the relevant sociological concept in plain language and connect each clue in the stem or passage to that definition. For research
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