Question

One of the better studies of the effect of regular attendance

at religious services gathered data from a random sample of $3617$ adults. The researchers then measured lots of variables, not just the explanatory variable (religious activities) and the response variable (length of life). A news article said: “Churchgoers were more likely to be nonsmokers, physically active, and at their right weight. But even after health behaviors were taken into account, those not attending religious services regularly still were significantly more likely to have died.” What conclusion can we draw from this study? Explain your reasoning.

Short answer

No conclusion can be drawn from this study.

Step-by-step solution

Given information

We have been given data from a random sample of $3617$ adults.

Explanation

When the effects of two variables on the same response variable cannot be distinguished, they are said to be confused.

You can't make any conclusions from this study because it's highly likely that churchgoers are more interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general, therefore the religious aspect is merely a correlation, not a cause.

Furthermore, the level of enthusiasm for adopting a healthy lifestyle will become a complicating variable.