An apparent, although False, association between two variables that is caused by a third variable is called
A) a spurious correlation.
B) an unproven correlation.
C) an unreliable correlation.
D) an invalid correlation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A spurious correlation is when two variables seem to be associated, but in reality, the relationship between them is not direct but is caused by a third variable. In other words, the two variables are not really related; rather, they appear to be because they are both influenced by a third variable. The other answer choices do not accurately describe this concept.

An Apparent, Although False, Association Between Two Variables That Is