Question

a study showed a correlation between the number of umbrellas sold at a local store and the number of days of inside recess at the nearest school. which lurking variable would explain the correlation between the number of umbrellas sold and the number of days of inside recess?
a. the size of the gym at the school
b. the amount of rainfall in the town
c. the price of umbrellas at the store
d. the number of people wearing rain jackets
e. the distance between the school and the store

Explanation:

A lurking variable is one that is not included in the analysis but affects the relationship between the two variables being studied. Here, we need to find a variable that affects both the number of umbrellas sold and the number of days of inside recess.

• Option A: The size of the gym doesn't relate to umbrella sales or the need for inside recess due to rain.
• Option B: More rainfall would lead to more umbrellas being sold (as people buy umbrellas in rain) and also more days of inside recess (since it's too rainy to play outside). So rainfall affects both variables.
• Option C: The price of umbrellas affects only umbrella sales, not inside recess.
• Option D: The number of people wearing rain jackets is a result of rainfall, not a cause that explains the correlation between umbrella sales and inside recess.
• Option E: The distance between school and store doesn't affect either umbrella sales or inside recess.

Answer:

B. the amount of rainfall in the town