Question

question 8 of 10 annabelle works in a deli and has been tracking the daily sales of different items over several months. annabelle found that when there was an increase in the number of cups of hot chocolate sold, the number of cups of coffee sold also increased. similarly, when there was a decrease in the number of cups of hot chocolate sold, the number of cups of coffee also decreased. which of the following is a valid conclusion? a. there is no correlation between the sale of hot chocolate and the sale of coffee. b. the increase in the sale of hot chocolate caused an increase in the sale of coffee. c. the increase in the sale of hot chocolate is correlated to but not caused by the sale of coffee. d. no conclusion can be drawn about the correlation of causation of the sale of hot chocolate and the sale of coffee.

Explanation:

When two variables (here, sales of hot - chocolate and sales of coffee) change in the same direction (both increase or both decrease), they are correlated. However, correlation does not imply causation. Just because the sales of hot - chocolate and coffee move in the same direction does not mean that one causes the other. It could be due to a third factor like colder weather making people more likely to buy both.

Answer:

C. The increase in the sale of hot chocolate is correlated to but not caused by the sale of coffee