In the following situations, is there likely to be a correlation? If so does the correlation reflect a causal relationship? Explain. The average daily winter temperature and your heating bill.

A. There is a positive correlation. The higher the average daily winter temperature the higher your heating bill.

B. There is a negative correlation and a causal correlation. The higher the average daily winter temperature the lower your heating bill.

C. There is no correlation.

A, B, C, or D? Explain please (:

Question

In the following situations, is there likely to be a correlation? If so does the correlation reflect a causal relationship? Explain. The average daily winter temperature and your heating bill.

A. There is a positive correlation. The higher the average daily winter temperature the higher your heating bill.	

B. There is a negative correlation and a causal correlation. The higher the average daily winter temperature the lower your heating bill.	

C. There is no correlation.

A, B, C, or D? Explain please (:

markrijckenberg · Answer

Answer B. Do you know why?

anonymous · Answer

Think of it this way... Would you turn DOWN the heat if the weather is COLDER? 
Depending on your answer, you should be able to correctly answer the question you've posted.

anonymous · Answer

I figured as much @MarkRijckenberg, because the hotter it gets, the less you use the heater.

anonymous · Answer

Seems like you've got it!!

markrijckenberg · Answer

Yes, that explains the negative correlation. How do you explain the causal correlation?

anonymous · Answer

Erm.. Not sure. Answer B's sentence sounds like it could be either a negative or a casual correlation..

markrijckenberg · Answer

Someone should confirm my claim. To me, the causal relationship is the fact that the winter temperature influences the heating bill. But not the other way around. It is NOT so that the average winter temperature will increase, because your heating bill is lower. It is a one-way influence....