Correlation Statistics Example 4
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 4
mediumA scatter plot shows that as outside temperature increases, hot chocolate sales decrease. Describe the correlation and explain why this pattern does not by itself prove temperature is the only cause.
Solution
- 1 Step 1: As one variable increases while the other decreases, the relationship is a negative correlation.
- 2 Step 2: Correlation alone does not prove causation because other factors such as promotions, holidays, or store traffic could also affect sales.
Answer
Negative correlation. The pattern does not prove temperature is the only cause because other variables may also influence sales.
Correlation describes association, not proof of cause. Real-world data often includes lurking variables, so we need more than a pattern in a scatter plot to claim causation.
About Correlation
Correlation is a statistical relationship between two variables where changes in one are associated with changes in the other. Positive correlation means both increase together; negative correlation means one increases as the other decreases; no correlation means no consistent pattern.
Learn more about Correlation →More Correlation Examples
Example 1 medium
A scatter plot shows that as hours of study increase, test scores tend to increase. Describe the cor
Example 2 mediumClassify each as positive correlation, negative correlation, or no correlation: (a) Temperature and
Example 3 mediumA study finds a strong positive correlation between the number of firefighters at a fire and the dam