Question

There's a negative correlation between coat sales and ice cream sales .

Which variable is most likely the lurking variable that explains the correlation?

A. Temperature

B. Amount of traffic

C. Population

D. Amount of precipitation

Answer 1

I believe that the temperature variable would represent the negative correlation. If it is getting cold, for instance, people would be buying coats, instead of an ice cream.

Answer 2

A) Temperature

Explanation:

Given that there is a negative correlation between coat sales and ice cream sales.

This may be definitely not due to amount of traffic. Also population will not affect both sales in different ways.

Amount of precipitation also may not be appropriate

But option a temperature if we consider

when temperature is low, i.e. in cold season there is more demand for coats as people want warmth but ice creams are less sold as already it is cold.

During summer, ice creams are more sold but coats are less sold.

Thus temperature is the lurking variable