Question

the scatterplot of the housing cost index versus the median family income for 10 states is shown on the right. the correlation is 0.646. complete parts a) through e). e) does the data provide proof that by raising the median income in a state, housing cost index will rise as a result? a. no, because correlation never proves causation. b. yes, because the correlation is high enough to conclude causation. c. yes, because correlation always proves causation. d. no, because the correlation is not high enough to conclude causation.

Explanation:

Correlation does not imply causation. Just because there is a correlation (in this case, correlation coefficient of 0.646) between median family income and housing - cost index does not mean that raising median income will cause the housing - cost index to rise. A correlation only shows a relationship between two variables, not a cause - and - effect relationship.

Answer:

A. No, because correlation never proves causation.