Question

question 8 (1 point)
(05.07 mc)
the correlation coefficient for poor hearing and loud music in a group of people is 0.67. analyze the following statement:
poor hearing is caused by listening to loud music.
is this a reasonable conclusion?
a yes; everyone who listens to loud music has hearing trouble.
b yes; the correlation coefficient is above 0.5, so that implies causation.
c no; the data does not suggest causation, and many people who listen to loud music can hear well.
d no; poor hearing and listening to loud music are completely unrelated.

Explanation:

A positive correlation coefficient (0.67) shows a moderate relationship between poor hearing and loud music, but correlation never proves causation. There can be other factors, and not all people who listen to loud music develop poor hearing. Options a, b, and d are incorrect: a is an overgeneralization, b incorrectly equates correlation to causation, and d ignores the established correlation.

Answer:

c. No; the data does not suggest causation, and many people who listen to loud music can hear well.