A study was done to determine whether taking notes in a developmental psychology course affected students’ test performance. Students recorded their notes over the entire semester in a 125-page study...

A study was done to determine whether taking notes in a developmental psychology course affected students’ test performance. Students recorded their notes over the entire semester in a 125-page study guide. The study guide included questions on course content covered both in the textbook and in class lectures. Students’ notes were measured using three dimensions: completeness, length, and accuracy. Results of the study indicated that students with more accurate notes performed better on essay and multiple-choice tests in the course than did students with less accurate notes. Based on these findings, the researchers suggested that instructors should use instructional techniques such as pausing for brief periods during the lecture and asking questions to clarify information. The researchers argued that these techniques could facilitate the accuracy of the notes students take in class, and that accurate note taking could contribute significantly to students’ overall success in college courses.

A What evidence is present in this report to meet the conditions for a causal inference between accuracy of students’ notes and their test performance? What evidence is lacking? (Be sure to identify clearly the three conditions for a causal inference.)

B Identify a goal of the scientific method that could be met on the basis of findings of this study.