A researcher finds a significant correlation between the IQ scores and the SES of a large sample of American adults. Which of the following can she conclude?
A) Low IQ produces low SES.
B) High IQ leads to high SES.
C) SES is related to IQ.
D) Low SES results in low IQ.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The significant correlation between IQ scores and SES indicates that the two variables are related, but this correlation does not imply causation. It is possible that IQ influences SES or that SES influences IQ, or that there is a third variable that affects both. Therefore, the researcher cannot conclude that one variable causes the other. The best conclusion that can be drawn from the correlation is that there is a relationship between IQ scores and SES.

A Researcher Finds a Significant Correlation Between the IQ Scores