Suppose that a sociologist notices a correlation between the rate of personal bankruptcy filings and the suicide rate. As the bankruptcy rate increases, the suicide rare increases, and vice versa. The sociologist concludes that personal bankruptcy is a cause of suicide. What method did the sociologist use in drawing this conclusion?
A) The method of concomitant variation.
B) The method of agreement.
C) The method of difference.
D) The method of residues.
E) The joint method of agreement and difference.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sociologist used the method of concomitant variation, which involves observing a correlation between two variables and concluding that a change in one variable causes a change in the other. In this case, the sociologist noticed that as the rate of personal bankruptcy filings increased, the suicide rate also increased. Therefore, they concluded that personal bankruptcy causes suicides.

Suppose That a Sociologist Notices a Correlation Between the Rate