Question

consider the following statement about a correlation. state the correlation clearly. then state whether the correlation is most likely due to a coincidence, a common underlying cause, or a direct cause. explain your answer. over the past three decades, the number of miles of freeways in los angeles has grown, and traffic congestion has worsened. select the correct answer below. a. there is a positive correlation between the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion in los angeles. b. there is no correlation between the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion in los angeles. c. there is a negative correlation between the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion in los angeles. is the correlation most likely due to a coincidence, a common underlying cause, or a direct cause? explain. a. the correlation is most likely due to the common underlying cause of los angeles having a very large population. b. the correlation is most likely due to a direct cause because increasing the number of miles of freeways made the traffic congestion worse. c. there is no correlation between the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion in los angeles. d. the correlation is most likely due to a coincidence because the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion is not related

Explanation:

As the number of miles of freeways has grown and traffic congestion has worsened simultaneously, there is a positive correlation. The likely reason is a common underlying cause - the large population of Los Angeles. A large population leads to more people needing to use the freeways, and as the city grows and more freeways are built, the demand for road - use also increases, causing congestion.

Answer:

A. There is a positive correlation between the number of miles of freeways and the traffic congestion in Los Angeles.
A. The correlation is most likely due to the common underlying cause of Los Angeles having a very large population.