Question

A study determined that there is a strong correlation between getting less than 8 hours of sleep a day and lower test scores. Can it be determined that the low test scores are caused by sleep deprivation? Explain.

A) Causation cannot be proven because lower test scores can occur for other reasons, such as not studying or poor attendance.

B)Causation cannot be proven because all students get less than 8 hours of sleep.

C)Causation can be proven because it is well known that less sleep lowers test scores.

D)Causation can be proven because an experiment was used to prove this hypothesis.

Answer 1

OPTION A: Causation cannot be proven because lower test scores can occur for other reasons, such as not studying or poor attendance.

Step-by-step explanation: I got it right on the test.

Answer 2

Option A (Causation cannot be proven because lower test scores can occur for other reasons, such as not studying or poor attendance).

Explanation:

Correlation is a concept which explains a linear relationship between two variables. The correlation constant lies between -1 and 1. 0 lies in the center of the interval. A negative correlation means an inverse relationship, and a positive correlation means a direct relationship. 0 technically means no linear relation between the variables. Further the correlation constant lies from 0, more the strength of the relationship. It is important to note that correlation shows a relationship between the two variables but it cannot determine the causation i.e. it cannot be concluded that one variable caused the other variable to occur. Even though having a strong correlation does not mean causal relationship. Therefore, correlation does not prove causation. This is because there are several other lurking and unobserved variables which affect the observed variables. The former class of variables are not accounted for in the correlation. Therefore, the exact magnitude of the causal relationship cannot be determined. Therefore, Option A is the correct choice!!!