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

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

anonymous · Answer

@sleepyjess @amistre64

amistre64 · Answer

well, some of these are just plain rediculous ... can you narrow it any?

also, tell me your definintion of the correclation coefficient

amistre64 · Answer

the c isnt anywhere near the e or l  i got no idea how that slipped in ...

anonymous · Answer

Well I am sure that consuming vegetables reduces blood pressure. So I think that the answer is C.

amistre64 · Answer

statistics is not about stating factos, its about examining the evidence and covering your arse

anonymous · Answer

but now I'm thinking a bit harder and I am beginning to think that C may not be a valid answer. B seems to make sense to me

amistre64 · Answer

B seems best to me as well :)

anonymous · Answer

Okay, Thanks. I am going to close this question and I might tag you for help on another. Is that okay?