Question

the number of grams of zero - calorie sodium in a restaurant meal is compared to the total number of calories in the meal. the correlation coefficient relating the two variables is 0.74. which best describes the strength of the correlation, and what is true about the causation between sodium and the number of calories in this meal? it is a strong positive correlation, and it is likely causal. it is a strong positive correlation, and it is not likely causal. it is a weak positive correlation, and it is likely causal. it is a weak positive correlation, and it is not likely causal.

Explanation:

Correlation coefficients range from - 1 to 1. A value close to 1 or - 1 indicates a strong correlation, while a value close to 0 indicates a weak correlation. Here, the correlation coefficient is 0.74, which is relatively close to 1, so it represents a strong positive correlation. Also, correlation does not imply causation. Just because there is a correlation between sodium and calories in a meal does not mean one causes the other.

Answer:

It is a strong positive correlation, and it is not likely causal.