Process of Science: Assume We Have Data Indicating a Strong

question 17

Multiple Choice

Process of Science: Assume we have data indicating a strong positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and recovery of patients from,say,cocaine addiction.However,let's also assume that every hypothesis we have for a mechanism of action (i.e. ,how acupuncture could work to help cure addiction) can be shown to be false.The patients,however,all claim to know that the acupuncture is what cured them.Which of the following conclusions are supported by our data?
-Must acupuncture be responsible for the patients' recovery?

• A)No.Acupuncture may be responsible for the healing,or it may not.Correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
• B)Yes.If the study was run by qualified M.D.s,then we should respect their findings that acupuncture cured these patients.
• C)No.Acupuncture is hippie,new age stuff,and is not respected by reputable doctors.
• D)Yes.The patients stated afterwards that they knew it had helped,and these people know their own bodies better than we do.

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Definitions:

Figure

A numerical symbol, especially one that represents a statistic or part of a calculation.

Middle Term

In a syllogism, the middle term is the term that appears in both premises but not in the conclusion, serving as a link between the two other terms.

Major Premise

A primary statement or proposition upon which an argument is based.

Minor Premise

In a syllogism, the premise that provides a specific instance or example related to the major premise.