In the Late 1990s, Several Studies Claimed There Was a Direct

question 98

Multiple Choice

In the late 1990s, several studies claimed there was a direct link between growing rates of autism and the presence of low doses of mercury used to preserve infant immunizations.In 2000, the FDA replaced all preservatives in infant inoculations with a recently developed non-mercury-based preservative that was cheaper and more efficient.Some theories stated that the government was engaged in a cover-up because it knew that mercury-based immunizations given during infancy increased the chances of young children developing autism.What is this conclusion most likely an example of?

• A) confirmation bias
• B) stratified sampling
• C) illusory correlation
• D) random error

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Definitions:

Peak Flow

The maximum instantaneous discharge of a stream or river at a specific location and time.

Runoff

The flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flows over the Earth's surface, often leading to erosion and transporting sediments.

Floodplain

Land that is level or almost level, located next to a river or stream, which undergoes infrequent or regular floods.

Meander

A winding curve or bend in a river, which occurs as the river erodes the landscape in sinuous patterns.