As the number of pirates in the world has decreased, the mean global temperature has increased. This is an example of a
A) non-linear relationship.
B) spurious correlation.
C) strong inference.
D) meta-analysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of a spurious correlation because there is no causal relationship between the two variables (pirates and global temperature), even though they appear to be related. Other factors, such as changes in greenhouse gas emissions, are the real cause of the increase in global temperature.

As the Number of Pirates in the World Has Decreased