IXL - Correlation and causation (Geometry practice)

Each of these relationships reflects a correlation. Which relationship most likely reflects both correlation and causation?

For dog groomers, trimming more nails is associated with using more dog shampoo.

For dog walkers, walking more labradors is associated with walking more huskies.

For dog boarders, boarding more dogs is associated with feeding more dogs.

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question

Each of these relationships reflects a correlation. Which relationship most likely reflects both correlation and causation?

In months with more sunny days, children spend more time at summer camp.

In months with more sunny days, families spend more time at the beach.

In months with more sunny days, students spend fewer days in school.

key idea

Correlation is not causation. Two quantities may be correlated, or associated, but that doesn't mean that a change in one quantity causes a change in the other.

There may be another reason for the correlation. For instance, maybe both quantities are influenced by another factor.

solution

This relationship most likely reflects both correlation and causation:

In months with more sunny days, families spend more time at the beach.
It's more comfortable to visit the beach on a sunny day. So, having more sunny days causes families to spend more time at the beach.

These relationships are not necessarily causal:

In months with more sunny days, children spend more time at summer camp.
Sunny days do not cause children to spend time at summer camp, and children spending time at summer camp does not cause sunny weather. Another factor can help explain the correlation, like the season being summer.

In months with more sunny days, students spend fewer days in school.
Sunny days do not cause students to spend fewer days in school, and students spending fewer days in school does not cause sunny weather. Another factor can help explain the correlation, like the season being summer.

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Lesson: Correlation

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Lesson: Correlation

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