A study found that children who play musical instruments achieve higher average mathematics scores than children who do not. The researchers concluded that musical training enhances spatial-temporal reasoning skills required for mathematics. Which of the following, if true, most strongly SUPPORTS the researchers' conclusion?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Children assigned to music training showed significant spatial gains over a control group.

  1. Step 1: The original study established an observational correlation between playing music and math scores.
  2. Step 2: An experimental randomized controlled trial (RCT) provides direct evidence of causation by ruling out self-selection bias and socioeconomic confounding.
  3. Step 3: Showing that randomly assigned music instruction produced significant spatial reasoning gains directly supports the causal mechanism.
Answer
Children assigned to music training showed significant spatial gains over a control group.
Why not the others: Non-musicians excelling in verbal tasks does not demonstrate that music causes math proficiency; retrospective anecdotes from mathematicians do not establish causality; disciplined practice suggests a confounding variable (discipline) rather than a direct cognitive enhancement.

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