A psychology class found a strong correlation between armed robbery and ice cream sales.What could they conclude from their data?
A) Armed robbery causes people to eat ice cream.
B) The incidence of robbery is high near ice cream shops.
C) Perhaps a third factor,such as seasonal temperature,is involved.
D) Eating ice cream causes people to become violent and commit robbery.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that armed robbery causes people to eat ice cream or that eating ice cream causes people to become violent and commit robbery. Option B is also unlikely since many factors, such as location of the shop or the time of day, can influence the incidence of robbery near an ice cream shop. Option C suggests that a third factor might be involved, such as seasonal temperature, which could influence both ice cream sales and the incidence of theft. Therefore, it is the most reasonable conclusion.

A Psychology Class Found a Strong Correlation Between Armed Robbery