Question

Gr

Select the correct answer.
Martin is interested in the new hypermiling movement which focuses on getting the best miles per gallon (MPG) when driving. He gathered
some data about the weights, in thousands of pounds, of different cars and their average MPG. The graph below shows the results of Martin's
research
y
42
36
30
.
24
Miles Per Gallon
18
12
6
X
0
Car Weight
(thousands of pounds)
Select the true statement based on the graph.
СА
The situation shows neither correlation nor causation

Answer 1

The situation shows correlation with causation.

Explanation:

A correlation between two variables is a measure of the strength of the association between them.

It can be seen from the scatter plot that as the weight of the car increases, the miles per gallon decreases.

Causation between variables indicates that one of the variables causes the other variable to occur. Causation between variables always implies correlation.

The weight of the car affects the miles per gallon because cars that weigh more require more power to move. Hence, heavier cars get lower miles per gallon of fuel.

Therefore, the situation shows correlation with causation.

This came straight from the website the question is on.

Answer 2

The correct option is;

The situation shows correlation without causation

Explanation:

The given data are;

Weight y
`{}` Miles Per Gallon

42
`{}` 18

36
`{}` 12

30
`{}` 6

.
`{}` x

24
`{}` 0

The first difference of the data = 42 - 36 = 36 - 30 = 30 - 24 = 6

18 - 12 = 12 - 6 = 6 - 0 = 6

The first difference of the data is constant and equal to 6

Therefore, the graph is a straight line graph with y-intercept = 24 and slope given by the rate of change of the weight to the miles per gallon of fuel consumption as follows;

The rate of change of the weight to the miles per gallon of fuel consumption is given as follows;

(42 - 24)/(18 - 0) = 1

Therefore, the points of the data fit into the straight line and the data of the situation shows correlation

In order to show causation, and to rule out other possible causes for the rise in MPG, a separate experiment will be required whereby the cause for the rise in MPG can be determined.