Pre-Test Question:

Chapter 9. Chapter 9 Correlation vs. Causation

Math and Graphing Review
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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Suppose you discover that over the last twenty years both cancer rates and cell phone usage have been increasing. What can you conclude from this?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct! Observing that two events occur together may be evidence of correlation but not necessarily causation!
Sorry, the correct answer is that cell phone usage may be correlated with another trend.Observing that two events occur together may be evidence of correlation but not necessarily causation!

1.

James touches the flame on the stove and burns his finger. These two events are most likely an example of:

A.
B.
Correct! Touching the flame likely caused James to burn his finger.
Sorry, the correct answer is “causation.” Touching the flame likely caused James to burn his finger.

2.

Suppose you get a flat tire and when you get out of the car you notice the road has many potholes. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct! The potholes most likely caused your flat tire, not the other way around.
Sorry, the correct answer is that the potholes caused your flat tire.

3.

Suppose you notice that whenever you’re considering buying a Christmas tree there are suddenly ads for Christmas tree farms everywhere. This is most likely an example of:

A.
B.
Correct!
Sorry, the correct answer is correlation. It’s unlikely that thinking about buying a Christmas tree causes tree farms to advertise more. Instead, the time of year affects your desire to buy a Christmas tree and Christmas tree farm advertising.

4.

Every Friday at noon you and three of your co-workers go out to eat at the same restaurant. Each time the restaurant is incredibly busy and you have to wait for some time before your table is ready. This is most likely an example of:

A.
B.
Correct!
Sorry, the correct answer is correlation. It’s unlikely that you and your three co-workers visiting the restaurant cause it to be incredibly busy. Instead, it’s more likely that both are caused by the time of day, especially because it’s lunch time.

5.

Suppose you get a raise the same day your unemployed friend finds a job. This is most likely an example of:

A.
B.
Correct!
Sorry, the correct answer is correlation. It’s unlikely that your raise caused your friend to get a job. Instead, it’s more likely that both are the result of something else, perhaps a growing economy.