Evaluating the Impact of Meditation on Stress Levels

Hard Critical Reasoning Evaluating Arguments

In a recent interview, a psychologist claimed, "Individuals who mediate daily exhibit lower levels of anxiety and stress compared to those who do not engage in meditation." However, another expert countered that a person's pre-existing personality traits may influence both their likelihood to meditate regularly and their baseline stress levels. Thus, the correlation observed may not imply causation.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the psychologist's argument?

People who tend to meditate daily are also more likely to be generally optimistic.

Studies show that meditation decreases anxiety and stress among those who practice it.

Individuals with higher levels of stress tend to seek out meditation as a coping mechanism.

The majority of individuals who meditate daily report increased overall well-being.

Hint

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