Garrett Conducts a Study of a Company That Shows That

Multiple Choice

Garrett conducts a study of a company that shows that employees who work more than eight hours a day are paid more than their co-workers. This leads Garrett to believe that working longer hours results in higher pay rates. However, re-analysis of the data from the study shows that the employees working longer hours have salaried jobs and are paid the same rate no matter how many hours they work. Their higher pay rate is a result of their increased responsibilities. Which of the following errors in interpretation is illustrated by Garrett's initial conclusion?

A) drawing an illogical cause-effect conclusion
B) drawing a conclusion when the facts do not support one
C) interpreting a lack of evidence as proof to the contrary
D) coloring interpretations to make them appear interesting
E) trusting data from an unreliable source