Correlations are less convincing than controlled experimental results because correlations
A) are subject to greater bias than experimental results.
B) cannot be observed outside the laboratory.
C) cannot be statistically significant.
D) do not eliminate as many alternative hypotheses as experimental results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlations describe a relationship between two variables, but they do not establish cause and effect. There may be other factors that could explain the relationship, and without experimental control, we cannot rule them out. In contrast, controlled experimental results are designed to eliminate alternative hypotheses and establish causality. Correlations are also subject to bias (e.g. sampling bias, measurement bias), which may affect the strength and direction of the correlation. Therefore, correlations are less convincing than controlled experimental results.

Correlations Are Less Convincing Than Controlled Experimental Results Because Correlations