Multiple Choice
In introductory psychology statistics, what best describes a negative correlation between two variables when viewed in a scatterplot?
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11. Correlation
Scatterplots & Intro to Correlation
Multiple Choice
In the context of scatterplots and correlation, what is a spurious correlation?
A
An observed association between two variables that is not due to a direct causal relationship, often arising from coincidence or a lurking (confounding) variable
B
A relationship where an increase in one variable causes a proportional increase in the other variable
C
A correlation that must be positive because both variables tend to increase over time
D
A correlation that occurs only when there is no outlier in the scatterplot
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of correlation in statistics, which measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.
Step 2: Recognize that a spurious correlation refers to an observed association between two variables that does not arise from a direct causal relationship.
Step 3: Identify that such correlations often occur due to coincidence or the presence of a lurking (confounding) variable that influences both variables simultaneously.
Step 4: Differentiate spurious correlation from genuine causal relationships, where changes in one variable directly cause changes in the other.
Step 5: Conclude that a spurious correlation can mislead interpretations because it suggests a relationship that is not truly causal or meaningful.
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