Question

dr. simpson finds a positive .50 correlation between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes in a community. which of the following represents the best interpretation of this result?

Answer 1

A positive correlation of .50 between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not imply cause and effect. The correlation is likely influenced by a third variable, such as the temperature, which affects both ice cream sales and crime rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best interpretation of a positive correlation of .50 between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes in a community is that there is a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply cause and effect. In this case, the correlation is likely due to a third variable, such as the temperature outside, that influences both ice cream sales and crime rates. Warm temperatures could lead to more people being outside, which can increase the likelihood of both ice cream sales and violent crimes.

Answer 2

A positive correlation between ice-cream sales and violent crimes suggests a relationship but does not imply that one causes the other; the correlation might be due to a third variable such as temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best interpretation of the result that Dr. Simpson finds a positive .50 correlation between ice-cream-cone sales and violent crimes in a community is that there is a relationship between these two variables. However, it's important to understand that correlation does not imply causation. The observed correlation could be due to a third variable, such as temperature, which is known to affect both ice-cream-cone sales and crime rates. Warmer temperatures could lead to more people being outdoors, which in turn may lead to an increased likelihood of consuming ice cream and potential for crime due to greater social interaction and opportunities.

An example to explain this phenomenon further could be that both ice cream sales and burglaries increase during sunny weather, not because one causes the other, but because the weather influences both activities. This is known as a correlation-causation fallacy. Sociologists and researchers use statistical analysis and consider various factors such as neighborhood variables, types of crimes, and specific local businesses or institutions to carefully evaluate such correlations and draw accurate conclusions.