Final answer:
Age and the correlation between warm climate activities could be hidden variables affecting the relationship between ice cream consumption and drowning rates. Statistical analysis can reveal if a significant relationship exists, beyond coincidence, but further investigation is necessary to establish causation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that people who eat ice cream have a higher rate of drowning than those who don't eat ice cream could be influenced by a variety of hidden variables. Two plausible hidden variables are Age (A) and the fact that people eat more ice cream and swim more in warmer climates (C). Additionally, if we were to consider the key details provided:
Age could be a factor because younger individuals are more likely to engage in swimming activities and also consume more ice cream.
The assertion that people eat more ice cream and swim more in warmer climates indicates a possible third variable, which is the weather or the season. Both ice cream consumption and swimming are activities that tend to increase during the warmer months, leading to a higher incidence of both without a direct causal relationship.