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.

Explanation:

As the number of miles of freeways in Los Angeles has grown and traffic congestion has worsened, an increase in one variable (miles of freeways) is associated with an increase in the other (traffic congestion), which indicates a positive correlation. Just because there is a correlation does not mean one directly causes the other. There could be a common underlying cause such as population growth leading to both more freeways being built and more traffic congestion.

Answer:

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