Principles of DieteticsDifficulty 3/5
A cohort study reports a strong association between a dietary pattern and lower disease risk. What is the appropriate conclusion?
- AThe dietary pattern causes the reduction in disease risk in this population
- BAn association exists that may be confounded and needs further evidence
- CThe finding is invalid because cohort studies cannot show relationships
- DThe pattern should be recommended to all clients with that condition
Show answer and rationale
Correct: B. Observational designs can establish association but not causation, because unmeasured confounding and reverse causation remain possible. Strength of association does not convert a cohort finding into a causal claim.
- A — Causation requires designs that control allocation, not observation alone.
- C — Cohort studies are valid for association and hypothesis generation.
- D — Population-level recommendations need a stronger evidence base.