Homework Help > MathWhat is an example of a real world relationship where there is no clear independent or dependent variable?Download AnswerAsked on January 13, 2016 at 4:16 AM by alyssaheckfordlike 0dislike 01 Answer | Add Yourspnrjulius | (Level 1) EducatorPosted on January 19, 2016 at 7:18 PMThis situation is actually more common than its opposite. It's quite rare in real-world research to have a clear idea of the direction of causality, and quite common to find strong correlations between variables where causation could run in either or both directions.
Here are a few examples just from my own field of development economics:
1. Corruption is strongly correlated to income inequality. Does corruption lead to inequality? Does higher inequality create more corruption?
2. GDP growth is strongly correlated with the empowerment of women. Does empowering women improve economic growth? Does an improving economy provide more opportunities for women?
3. Ethnic conflict is strongly correlated with poverty. Does greater ethnic conflict cause poverty? Does poverty exacerbate ethnic tensions