Evaluating Study Hours Impact on Grades

Hard Critical Reasoning Evaluating Data Arguments

In a recent study, researchers investigated the correlation between the number of hours students study each week and their corresponding grades in mathematics. The results indicated that students who study more than 10 hours a week score, on average, 20% higher than those who study less than 10 hours. However, the researchers also noted that 30% of students who studied over 10 hours still failed to achieve passing grades. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that increasing study hours is the key to improving students' mathematics performance.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the researchers' conclusion?

Many students who study for more than 10 hours a week are engaged in activities unrelated to mathematics.

The majority of students who scored high grades spent between 6 to 8 hours studying each week.

Students who regularly study in groups tend to perform better regardless of total study hours.

There is a significant number of students who do not study at all and still pass mathematics.

Hint

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