Answer:
The correct answer is 4.
Explanation:
According to Cook and Campbell's Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference (2002), in order to establish a valid cause-effect correlation, three conditions must be met:
- Temporal precedence: the cause must occur before the effect.
- Covariation of cause and effect: changes in the cause must cause a change in the effect - they're linked together.
- Elimination of alternative explanations: the cause must be the explanation for the effect.
The researcher in the question has established a cause-effect relationship between owning two cars (cause) and having a home with a bigger garage (effect). However, she hasn't eliminated alternative explanations, like a people with a larger income owning a larger house and more cars, or even inverting the cause-effect relationship. Thus, her affirmation lacking causal evidence.