If the media reports that eating bacon is associated with colon cancer, one should
A) avoid eating bacon because it probably causes colon cancer.
B) assume that the report came from a carefully controlled study.
C) remember that correlation does not mean causation.
D) know that any type of meat will have the same effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation, meaning that just because two variables are associated, it does not mean one causes the other. The media report might highlight an observed link between eating bacon and colon cancer, but this does not prove that bacon consumption directly causes colon cancer. Other factors could be at play, and further research is needed to establish a causal relationship.

If the Media Reports That Eating Bacon Is Associated with Colon