For a strong correlation, people often assume that change in one quantity causes change in the second quantity. This is not always true. For the following situation, predict the type of correlation you might find. Do you think that change in the first quantity causes change in the second quantity?
What correlation, if any, is there between the quantities?
A.
There is a negative correlation
B. there is a positive correlation
C. there is no correlation
It is not possible to determine the type of correlation or if there is a correlation based on the information provided. More information would be needed to make a prediction.
the number of ice cream cone sold and the temperature
Based on the information provided, we can predict that there would be a positive correlation between the number of ice cream cones sold and the temperature. As temperatures increase, people tend to buy more ice cream cones to cool down. However, it is important to note that this prediction is based on a common trend and may not hold true in all situations.
Do you think that change in the first quantity causes change in the second quantity?
A.
While change in the second quantity might affect change in the first quantity, it is unlikely that this is true in the reverse. Therefore, change in the first quantity does not cause change in the second quantity.
B.
Notice that it is unlikely that change in the second quantity causes change in the first quantity. This is not true in the reverse. Therefore, change in the first quantity causes change in the second quantity.
C.
Notice that it is likely that change in the second quantity causes change in the first quantity. This is also true in the reverse. Therefore, change in the first quantity causes change in the second quantity.
D.
There is no correlation between the quantities, so change in the first quantity cannot possibly cause change in the second quantity.