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

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