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2. A correlation between "A" and "B" does not necessarily mean that "A" causes "B." Why? Explain using each of the following two examples: A. Sitting in the front row in a large class is positively correlated with grade in the class. B. Ice cream sales is negatively correlated with snowfall. Explain each relationship? What inferences can you draw? What are the possible ways each relationship might be explained?

2. A correlation between "A" and "B" does not necessarily mean that "A" causes "B." Why? Explain using each of the following two examples: A. Sitting in the front row in a large class is positively correlated with grade in the class. B. Ice cream sales is negatively correlated with snowfall. Explain each relationship? What inferences can you draw? What are the possible ways each relationship might be explained?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Understanding Correlation and Causation #### Correlation vs. Causation A correlation between "A" and "B" does not necessarily mean that "A" causes "B." Why? Let's explore this concept using two examples: **A.** Sitting in the front row in a large class is *positively correlated* with grade in the class. **B.** Ice cream sales are *negatively correlated* with snowfall. ##### Explanation of Relationships - **Sitting in the Front Row and Grades:** - This positive correlation suggests that students sitting in the front row might have higher grades. However, this does not imply that sitting in the front row causes better grades. Other factors, such as motivation or prior academic performance, might influence both seating choice and grades. - **Ice Cream Sales and Snowfall:** - The negative correlation indicates that as snowfall increases, ice cream sales decrease. This does not mean that snowfall directly causes lower ice cream sales. The relationship could be explained by temperature changes, as people may be less likely to buy ice cream in colder weather when snowfall is likely. ##### Drawing Inferences - **Consider Other Variables:** - Analyze if other variables could be influencing the observed correlations. For instance, seating preference might be linked to the student's level of engagement, while weather patterns could affect both snowfall and ice cream sales. - **Avoid Assuming Causation:** - Be cautious in making causal statements based purely on correlations. Further investigation, possibly through experimental designs, may be necessary to establish causal links. #### Descriptive Studies in Psychology Although experiments have long been the method of choice in psychology, they come with limitations. Another valuable approach is the descriptive study, often a first step in continuous research of a particular psychological phenomenon. Historically, descriptive studies have been crucial in the development of psychology as a science.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Correlation and Causation #### Correlation vs. Causation A correlation between "A" and "B" does not necessarily mean that "A" causes "B." Why? Let's explore this concept using two examples: **A.** Sitting in the front row in a large class is *positively correlated* with grade in the class. **B.** Ice cream sales are *negatively correlated* with snowfall. ##### Explanation of Relationships - **Sitting in the Front Row and Grades:** - This positive correlation suggests that students sitting in the front row might have higher grades. However, this does not imply that sitting in the front row causes better grades. Other factors, such as motivation or prior academic performance, might influence both seating choice and grades. - **Ice Cream Sales and Snowfall:** - The negative correlation indicates that as snowfall increases, ice cream sales decrease. This does not mean that snowfall directly causes lower ice cream sales. The relationship could be explained by temperature changes, as people may be less likely to buy ice cream in colder weather when snowfall is likely. ##### Drawing Inferences - **Consider Other Variables:** - Analyze if other variables could be influencing the observed correlations. For instance, seating preference might be linked to the student's level of engagement, while weather patterns could affect both snowfall and ice cream sales. - **Avoid Assuming Causation:** - Be cautious in making causal statements based purely on correlations. Further investigation, possibly through experimental designs, may be necessary to establish causal links. #### Descriptive Studies in Psychology Although experiments have long been the method of choice in psychology, they come with limitations. Another valuable approach is the descriptive study, often a first step in continuous research of a particular psychological phenomenon. Historically, descriptive studies have been crucial in the development of psychology as a science.
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