Several correlational studies all point to the conclusion that the more time students spend playing violent video games, the lower their grade point average tends to be. This means that:
A) playing violent video games causes low grades.
B) low grades cause students to play violent video games.
C) the researchers have discovered a negative correlation between playing violent video games and grade point average.
D) the researchers have discovered a positive correlation between playing violent video games and grade point average.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correlational studies identify a negative correlation between playing violent video games and grade point average. This means that as one variable (playing violent video games) increases, the other variable tends to decrease (grade point average). However, correlation does not equal causation, so it is not possible to definitively conclude that playing violent video games causes low grades. There may be other variables at play that influence both playing video games and academic performance.

Several Correlational Studies All Point to the Conclusion That the More