Based on the observational study, can a causal relationship be concluded between TV viewing and reading scores?

In assessing whether a causal relationship can be drawn from an observational study, it's essential to understand the nature of such studies. Observational studies collect data without manipulating any variables. This means that while they can identify associations or correlations between two variables, such as TV viewing and reading scores, they cannot definitively establish that one variable causes the other.

Causation implies that a change in one variable directly results in a change in another. However, observational studies suffer from various confounding factors that can influence the results. For instance, a third variable, such as socioeconomic status or parental involvement, could affect both TV viewing and reading scores, creating a false impression of a direct causal link.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the limitation of observational studies in proving causal relationships. While there may be observed correlations, without controlled experiments or further evidence to clarify that one variable causes a change in the other, it remains impossible to conclude a causal relationship definitively. Consequently, the assertion that one cannot prove a causal link between TV viewing and reading scores based on observational data is valid and accurate.