Dr Hadebe and Dr Naidoo have recently conducted a study and found a positive correlation between music-listening and dancing ability: people who listen to lots of music tend to be excellent dancers.The correlation is statistically significant.Can they conclude that listening to music causes people to be better dancers? Why or why not?
A)Yes, because there is a positive correlation
B)Yes, because there is a statistically significant correlation
C)No, because the evidence is correlational, not experimental
D)No, because the correlation probably does not hold true for deaf people

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study only found a correlation between music-listening and dancing ability, but did not manipulate any variables to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that listening to music causes people to be better dancers. Correlation does not equal causation. Option A and B are incorrect because statistical significance and a positive correlation do not necessarily indicate causation. Option D is also incorrect because the study did not mention deaf individuals or their ability to dance.

Dr Hadebe and Dr Naidoo Have Recently Conducted a Study