In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.
Storks and B...

Question

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.

Storks and Babies In the years following the end of World War II, it was found that there was a strong correlation, or association, between the number of human births and the stork population. It therefore follows that storks cause babies.

Accepted Answer

All right, hello, everyone. So this question is asking us to explain why the conclusion in the given statement is incorrect. In recent years, it was found that there was a strong correlation between the number of movie tickets sold and the number of space missions launched. It therefore follows that selling more movie tickets causes more space missions. Option A in the multiple choice says the increase in both variables is likely due to independent societal and technological advancements, not a direct causal link. Option B says space agencies fund movies to increased public interest in space missions. She says watching more movies. Makes people want to become astronauts, leading to more space missions. And option D says the correlation proves that selling more movie tickets increases the number of space missions. So this question is one of correlation versus causation, right? And the question begins by giving us a correlation or A relationship, so to speak, between two different variables. The variables in this case are. The number of movie tickets sold. Versus how many space space missions have been launched. So What the question is stating here is that there is a relationship between both of these variables, and that both of them have increased within a certain amount of time. But does that necessarily mean that there is a causation? Because to say that there's causation between these two variables implies that one variable changing directly impacts the outcome of the other. But that's not always true, and assuming that correlation does equal causation is a fallacy. So instead, it's important to recognize potential external factors that could explain the increase in both of these variables in this case. So, if both variables are increasing at the same time, what factors at play here could explain that without pointing to causation, without stating that these variables directly impact each other. Well, first of all, we can talk about the current state of technology. Right? An increase in technological development could in turn lead to more sophisticated space equipment. So to speak, to increase the number of missions that are actually launched. And on the other hand, we can also talk about societal factors if for example economic Or rather economic trends improve and people's disposable income increases, they might want to go to a movie ticket for fun or they're more likely to do so. And so the main takeaway from this question is that correlation does not imply causation. Just because the two variables here have increased at the same time, doesn't mean one has influence over the other and vice versa. Instead, the correlation that's being discussed in this question. Is likely due to external factors. Thus leading us to the correct answer, which happens to be option A in the multiple choice. That is, the increase in both variables is likely due to independent societal and technological advancements, not a direct causal link. And so with that being said, thank you so very much for watching and I hope you found this helpful.

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.
Storks and Babies In the years following the end of World War II, it was found that there was a strong correlation, or association, between the number of human births and the stork population. It therefore follows that storks cause babies.

Key Concepts

Correlation vs. Causation

Spurious Correlation

Confounding Variables

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