Question

a research group has determined that a positive correlation exists between autoimmune diseases and wine consumption; wine drinkers are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) later in life. based on these data, what might cause autoimmune diseases? individuals actually drinking wine other behaviors exhibited by wine drinkers (i.e. smoking or poor diet) the environments in which wine drinkers live unknown factors that the research group did not study individuals drinking wine, other behaviors exhibited by wine drinkers, the environments in which wine drinkers live, or unknown factors

Explanation:

Correlation does not imply causation. Just because there is a positive correlation between wine - drinking and autoimmune diseases doesn't mean wine - drinking itself causes the diseases. There could be other behaviors of wine - drinkers (like smoking or poor diet), environmental factors, or unknown factors that the research didn't consider.

Answer:

E. individuals drinking wine, other behaviors exhibited by wine drinkers, the environments in which wine drinkers live, or unknown factors