PRC-2 · Chapter 10 · Question 11 of 60
Why is it important to remember that a high correlation coefficient does not prove causation?
Test yourself: pick an answer
Reveal answer & explanation
Correct answer: B) Because scatter diagrams might visually indicate a relationship where there fundamentally is none in reality.
Explanation
Statistical correlation simply measures how variables move together. A scatter diagram might mathematically indicate a strong relationship where there is no actual logical causation between the events.
More Correlation and Regression MCQs
- Q13If the Pearson correlation coefficient between two variables is calculated as +1.25, what conclusion should be drawn?
- Q14Which of the following statistics specifically measures the proportion of the total variance in the dependent variable that is explained…
- Q15When constructing a simple scatter diagram, on which axis is the independent variable (x) traditionally plotted?
- Q16In basic probability theory, if two events A and B are considered 'mutually exclusive', what is the mathematical probability of them both…
- Q17A fair six-sided die is rolled. What is the precise probability of rolling a number that is strictly greater than 4?
