Dr.Simpson finds a positive .50 correlation between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes in a community.Which of the following represents the best interpretation of this result?

A) Ice cream causes people to become more violent and aggressive.
B) A third variable, such as heat, may account for the association between ice-cream sales and violent crime.
C) Violent people like ice cream more than non-violent people.
D) Ice cream consumption is not related to violent crime.

Question

Shanice Liles · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  The correlation found between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes suggests that there is an association between these two variables. However, correlation does not equal causation. It is possible that a third variable, such as heat, may contribute to both higher ice-cream sales and more violent behavior. It is unlikely that ice cream consumption itself causes people to become more violent. Therefore, choice B is the best interpretation.

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