The rate of water skiing and barbequing are highly correlated. However, it is likely that the increased temperature of summertime is the causal variable. This is a good example of __________.

A) a causal relationship
B) the third-variable problem
C) bias
D) the confounding variable situation

Third-variable Problem

A scenario in research where an unmeasured variable causes or influences both variables of interest, potentially misleading interpretations of a correlation or relationship.

Causal Relationship

A connection between two events or states where one event is understood to be a direct result of the other.

Confounding Variable

An external variable that influences both the dependent and independent variables in a study, potentially skewing the results.