Question

The correlation coefficient for blood pressure and amount of vegetables eaten in a group of people is -0.7. Analyze the following statement.

High blood pressure is caused by not eating vegetables.

Is this a reasonable conclusion?

No; blood pressure and eating vegetables are completely unrelated

No; even though there is a strong negative correlation, not eating vegetables doesn't necessarily cause high blood pressure

Yes; eating vegetables reduces blood pressure, so the opposite is also true

Yes; the correlation coefficient is below -0.5, so that implies causation

Answer 1

the answer is B - this is a standard error made even in tertiary level academic publications. Correlation does NOT imply causality.

Answer 2

Thank you :)

Answer 3

You're welcome