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91Ó°ÊÓ

If there is a positive correlation between number of years studying math and shoe size (for children), does that prove that larger shoes cause more studying of math or vice versa? Can you think of a confounding variable that might be influencing both of the other variables?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the correlation between years of studying math and shoe size does not prove that one causes the other. A possible confounding variable in this scenario can be the age of the children.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Correlation and Causation

First, it's important to understand that correlation - a statistical relationship between two variables - does not necessarily imply causation. Just because there is a positive correlation between the number of years studying math and shoe size does not mean that having larger shoes causes more studying of math or vice versa.
02

Identifying a Confounding Variable

A confounding variable is a variable that influences both the dependent variable and independent variable and can cause a spurious association. In this case, a possible confounding variable can be the age of children. As children get older, they usually study more complex subjects such as math, and at the same time, their feet grow larger leading to bigger shoe sizes.

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