Question

decide whether the following statement makes sense (or is clearly true) or does not make sense (or is clearly false). explain your reasoning. i found a nearly perfect positive correlation between variable a and variable b and therefore was able to conclude that an increase in variable a causes an increase in variable b. select the correct answer below. a. the statement does not make sense because a negative correlation would imply that an increase in variable a causes an increase in variable b. b. the statement does not make sense because a correlation alone is not enough evidence to establish causality. c. the statement does make sense because a negative correlation implies that an increase in variable a causes an increase in variable b. d. the statement does make sense because a correlation alone is enough evidence to establish causality.

Explanation:

Correlation only shows a relationship between variables, not causation. Just because there is a positive or negative correlation between variable A and B does not mean that a change in A causes a change in B. There could be other factors (confounding variables) at play, or it could be a coincidence. A negative correlation does not imply causation either. Establishing causation requires more than just correlation, such as well - designed experiments.

Answer:

A. The statement does not make sense because a negative correlation would not imply that an increase in variable A causes an increase in variable B.
B. The statement does not make sense because a correlation alone is not enough evidence to establish causality.
C. The statement does not make sense because a negative correlation implies that an increase in variable A causes a decrease in variable B, not an increase.
D. The statement does not make sense because a correlation alone is not enough evidence to establish causality.

The correct answer is B.