QuestionWhich statement best reflects the relationship between correlation and causation? A, B, C, or D?
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. We understand the difference between correlation and causation.
. We understand that correlation does not imply causation.
3. We understand that a correlation coefficient close to0 means there is little to no linear relationship between two variables.
4. We understand that a high correlation between two variables can occur by chance.
STEP 2
Let's analyze each statement one by one.
A. "If a significant correlation is found between A and B, either A causes B or B causes A."
This statement is incorrect because correlation does not imply causation. Just because two variables are correlated does not mean one causes the other.
STEP 3
B. "If causes , the correlation coefficient between and is positive." This statement is incorrect because the direction of causation does not determine the sign of the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient can be positive, negative, or zero, regardless of whether there is a causal relationship.
STEP 4
C. "A high correlation between two variables may occur by accident." This statement is correct. A high correlation between two variables can occur by chance, especially if the sample size is small. This is known as a spurious correlation.
STEP 5
. "If a study found that the correlation coefficient between two variables is close to0 , then these two variables cannot be in a cause-and-effect relation."
This statement is incorrect. A correlation coefficient close to0 means there is little to no linear relationship between two variables, but it does not rule out the possibility of a non-linear cause-and-effect relationship.
The statement that is best supported by our knowledge of correlation and causation is C "A high correlation between two variables may occur by accident."
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