Question

In: Statistics and Probability

If you calculate a correlation of .954 can you say that the variable is a cause...

If you calculate a correlation of .954 can you say that the variable is a cause of the change in the other variable?

Solutions

Expert Solution

No. High positive correlation between two variable implies that with increase in one variable, the other variable also increases. But from that, we cannot conclude that one variable is the cause for other. This is because of the fact that correlation doesn't imply causation. In some cases, one variable can be the cause of other. But in some cases, the cause can be some other variable, which we are not counting in the study. Such hidden variables that are the real causative factors are called lurking variables.

Example 1: A typical example is number of visitors in a public swimming pool and ice cream sales. If we study these two variables, we will find high correlation. But ice cream sale increase is not a cause for swimming pool visit or swimming pool visit wont increase ice cream sale. The lurking variable is the average daily temperature (in general, season variation of temperature). In summers, people tend to visit pools more often and consumes more ice cream as well. So, we cannot conclude that correlation implies causation in the other variable.


Related Solutions

Can you say that the coffee is the reason for the poor health or is there a lurking variable as the actually cause?
Over the years it has been said that coffee is bad for you. When looking at the studies that have shown that coffee is linked to poor health, you will see that people who tend to drink coffee don't sleep much, tend to smoke, don't eat healthy, and tend to not exercise. Can you say that the coffee is the reason for the poor health or is there a lurking variable as the actually cause?
954.Uncouple proteins can dissipate the proton gradient (or cause leakage of protons) in the inner membrane...
954.Uncouple proteins can dissipate the proton gradient (or cause leakage of protons) in the inner membrane of mitochondria and thus decrease the membrane potential. As a result, more ATP molecules are synthesized and electron transport is stimulated.True/False? 953.Muscle lacks glucose-6-phosphatase and therefore glucose-6-phosphate cannot be dephosphorylated in muscle for export into the blood. Muscle stores glycogen for its use and muscle glycogen serve as a source of readily available fuel particular during the period of muscle exertion or physical exercise.True/False?...
Demonstrating that a correlation exists does not prove that changes in one variable are the cause...
Demonstrating that a correlation exists does not prove that changes in one variable are the cause of changes in the other, partly because other factors which are undetected may be influencing both known variables. Thus, knowing that a correlation exists may lead to two or more different interpretations of the correlation. For each of the studies described below, decide whether the correlation is positive or negative and give two explanations for the finding. 1 A government study reveals that the...
1). Calculate the specific correlation coefficient for this data. What does rxy = ? You can...
1). Calculate the specific correlation coefficient for this data. What does rxy = ? You can use the table on the last page for your calculations (This is the tough one). 2). Does there appear to be a correlation between these two variables? If yes, in what direction (positive or negative)? 3). What are three possible explanations for this correlational relationship? (Note – These can include “third variable” explanations). Subject # X Y X2 Y2 XY 1 0 9 0...
You are running correlation analysis on a data set with 11 items. You calculate the correlation...
You are running correlation analysis on a data set with 11 items. You calculate the correlation coefficient to be 0.845. What is the critical value?
Let's say that we have two variables X and Y. We calculate their correlation value to...
Let's say that we have two variables X and Y. We calculate their correlation value to be r = -.8012. What is the interpretation of this value?
1. If a dependent variable Y and independent variable X have a positive correlation, what can...
1. If a dependent variable Y and independent variable X have a positive correlation, what can we predict about the sign of the slope coefficient between X and Y in a simple regression? How about in a multiple regression? 2. What would you suspect if your multiple regression t-statistics were all insignificant but the F-statistic was significant? 3. Suppose you built a 95% confidence interval around a simple regression slope coefficient and got a lower bound of 5 and an...
what can you say about the economy, culture and religion of FRANCE? can you say something...
what can you say about the economy, culture and religion of FRANCE? can you say something about it? please give an example for each type. thank you so much. needed for my assignment.
In correlation analysis, the independent variable is Multiple Choice the variable that is scaled on the...
In correlation analysis, the independent variable is Multiple Choice the variable that is scaled on the vertical axis. the variable that is being predicted or estimated. a variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable. The independent variable is the variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable. The independent variable is the variable that the dependent variable depends on.
1. Calculate the Correlation between height and weight, using centimeters and kilograms 2. Calculate the Correlation...
1. Calculate the Correlation between height and weight, using centimeters and kilograms 2. Calculate the Correlation between height and weight, using inches and pounds 3. Compare these correlations. What would you conclude? 4. Create a Scatter plot graph of these data. Graph: Select Pounds in the X axis and Inches in the Y Insert a scatter graph Click on the first graph Click on Drawing Tools and then layout: Select Axis Titles: write the titles Do the same thing for...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT