Which statement would most weaken the argument that online learning is as effective as in-person learning?

Which statement would most weaken the argument that online learning is as effective as in-person learning?

• A. Online courses show higher engagement than in-person.
• B. Online learning is more cost-effective with equal outcomes.
• C. Evidence showing lower engagement in online courses.
• D. Online courses provide equal or higher engagement in all cases.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that differences in student engagement can challenge claims of equal effectiveness between online and in-person learning. If online courses show lower engagement, students may spend less time, participate less actively, and practice fewer opportunities to apply and consolidate what they’ve learned. Engagement is closely tied to how deeply students process material, retain information, and transfer skills, so lower engagement in the online setting suggests that learning outcomes might be weaker or not guaranteed to match in-person results. That’s why evidence of lower engagement would most strongly weaken the claim that online learning is as effective as in-person learning. The other statements either imply equal or higher engagement (which would not weaken the claim) or focus on cost with equal outcomes, which doesn’t directly challenge the comparison of learning effectiveness.

The main idea is that differences in student engagement can challenge claims of equal effectiveness between online and in-person learning. If online courses show lower engagement, students may spend less time, participate less actively, and practice fewer opportunities to apply and consolidate what they’ve learned. Engagement is closely tied to how deeply students process material, retain information, and transfer skills, so lower engagement in the online setting suggests that learning outcomes might be weaker or not guaranteed to match in-person results. That’s why evidence of lower engagement would most strongly weaken the claim that online learning is as effective as in-person learning. The other statements either imply equal or higher engagement (which would not weaken the claim) or focus on cost with equal outcomes, which doesn’t directly challenge the comparison of learning effectiveness.