A recent study found that the more time fathers spend with their children, the less likely they are to abuse their children. Which of the following is the most valid interpretation of this finding?
A) Fathers who spend a lot of time with their children are more likely to develop loving relationships, reducing the likelihood that they will abuse their children.
B) There is some third variable, such as having an anti-social personality, that increases the likelihood that fathers will abuse their children and that they will spend little time with them.
C) Many fathers who abuse their children feel guilty and thus avoid spending time with their children.
D) Either A, B, or C could be true, and one can't tell which, based on the results of the study.