Final answer:
The relationship between ice cream sales and drowning deaths can be explained by the factor of temperature. It is important to conduct rigorous scientific studies to establish causation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the sales of ice cream and deaths due to drowning can be explained by a common underlying factor, which is the temperature. When the weather is warm, both ice cream sales and outdoor activities, such as swimming, increase. This increased interaction increases the risk of drowning incidents. However, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causation.
Establishing causation involves conducting rigorous scientific studies that can control for confounding factors. In the case of ice cream sales and drowning deaths, a causal relationship cannot be determined based solely on the observed correlation.