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

wherearemytacos · Answer

Please help, medals will be given.

shootingstar28 · Answer

What do you think the answer is?

wherearemytacos · Answer

Well I don't think it's A

shootingstar28 · Answer

I believe the answer is B. No; even though there is a strong negative correlation, not eating vegetables doesn't necessarily cause high blood pressure

retireed · Answer

Thank you.  I agree with you, since all we really know is that people that eat more vegetables have lower blood pressure,  but not what causes high blood pressure to begin with.

wherearemytacos · Answer

Thank you both