Variable X is correlated with Variable Y. Which of the following could explain this correlation?
A) X causes Y.
B) Y causes X.
C) A third variable causes or influences both X and Y.
D) All of these are possible explanations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation between two variables can be due to a direct causal relationship in either direction, or due to a third variable that affects both.

Variable X Is Correlated with Variable Y