What is the third-variable problem in reference to correlational studies?
A)Third variables act causally on some other variables,but not on all other variables.
B)Each variable in a correlation exerts a causal influence on the other.
C)A causal relationship between two variables cannot be inferred from the correlation between two variables.
D)Correlations can be caused only by another (third)variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The third-variable problem refers to the possibility that a correlation between two variables may be due to a third variable that has not been measured or controlled for. This means that a causal relationship between the two variables cannot be inferred based solely on the correlation. It is possible that the third variable is the actual cause of the relationship between the two variables, or that there is some other explanation for the correlation. Therefore, researchers must be cautious when interpreting correlational data and consider the possibility of third variables.

What Is the Third-Variable Problem in Reference to Correlational Studies