Question

which of the following is an example of a causal relationship? a the relationship between the number of air conditioner sales and the number of ice cream sales b the relationship between a persons age and intelligence c the relationship between money and happiness d the relationship between the temperature outside and the number of people wearing jackets or coats

Explanation:

To determine a causal relationship, we need one variable to directly cause a change in another.

• Option A: Air conditioner sales and ice cream sales are both affected by temperature (a common cause), not a direct causal link between them.
• Option B: Age does not directly cause intelligence; intelligence is influenced by multiple factors, not age alone.
• Option C: Money does not directly cause happiness (happiness has many determinants, and the relationship is complex, not causal).
• Option D: Temperature outside directly causes people to wear jackets/coats (colder temperatures lead to wearing more warm clothing, so temperature is the cause, and jacket/coat wearing is the effect).

Answer:

D. The relationship between the temperature outside and the number of people wearing jackets or coats