Question

A recent article\(^{50}\) claims that " Green Spaces Make Kids Smarter." The study described in the article involved 2,623 schoolchildren in Barcelona. The researchers measured the amount of greenery around the children's schools, and then measured the children's working memories and attention spans. The children who had more vegetation around their schools did better on the memory and attention tests. (a) What are the cases in this study? (b) What is the explanatory variable? (c) What is the response variable? (d) Does the headline imply causation? (e) Is the study an experiment or an observational study? (f) Is it appropriate to conclude causation in this case? (g) Suggest a possible confounding variable, and explain why it meets the requirements of a confounding variable.

Short answer

(a) The cases are the 2,623 schoolchildren in Barcelona. (b) The explanatory variable is the amount of greenery around the children's schools. (c) The response variable is the children's working memories and attention spans. (d) The headline does imply causation. (e) The study is observational. (f) It is not appropriate to conclude causation in this case. (g) A possible confounding variable is the socio-economic status of the children.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Cases

The cases in this study are the 2,623 schoolchildren in Barcelona.

Recognize the Explanatory Variable

The explanatory variable is the amount of greenery around the children's schools.

Find out the Response Variable

The response variable is the children's working memories and attention spans.

Interpret the Headline

The headline does imply causation as it suggests that 'Green Spaces Make Kids Smarter', implying that the amount of greenery or green spaces around the schools (causing factor) enhances children's cognitive abilities (effect).

Classify the Study Type

The study is an observational study because the researchers observed the effect of green spaces on children's learning abilities without manipulating any variables.

Discern the Appropriateness of Causation Conclusion

Given this is an observational study, we should be cautious about declaring causation. There might be other underlying factors or variables influencing the observed result (children's working memory and attention span). Therefore, it is not appropriate to conclude causation in this case.

Suggest a Confounding Variable

A possible confounding variable could be the socio-economic status of the children. This is because socio-economic status may correlate with the amount of green spaces around schools (wealthier neighborhoods may have more green areas) and also affect the children's cognitive performance.