Question

suppose the correlation coefficient between average daily temperature and the amount of sunscreen purchased is 0.94. which statement must be true?
a. putting on sunscreen causes temperatures to increase.
b. hotter temperatures cause people to buy more sunscreen.
c. as the temperature increases, the amount of sunscreen purchased tends to increase.
d. as the temperature increases, the amount of sunscreen purchased tends to decrease.

Explanation:

A correlation coefficient of 0.94 is a strong positive value. Correlation only shows a relationship between variables, not causation, so statements claiming cause (A, B) are not valid. A positive correlation means as one variable increases, the other tends to increase, which matches option C. Option D describes a negative correlation, which contradicts the given coefficient.

Answer:

C. As the temperature increases, the amount of sunscreen purchased tends to increase.