In this module, three areas were discussed that can serve as a problem in interp

Question

In this module, three areas were discussed that can serve as a problem in interpreting a correlation. They include:

Avoid a sense of absolutism from the relationship. A significant relationship that may be good for one set of variables may not be that great for another set.

Avoid interpreting a correlation as a cause/effect relationship. A change in one variable does not necessarily cause a change in another variable.

Avoid utilizing correlations and percentages as synonymous terms. A robs value of .90 does not mean that 90 percent of a relationship is perfect.

Pick one of the three areas, and provide an in-depth discussion as to why it is critical to avoid the interpretation. Use proper citations to support your response.

Explanation / Answer

Correlation does not imply causation

Correlation Coefficient measures the direction and strength of linear relationship between the two variables and the consideration. it is not indicated that the change in one variable is caused due to the change in another variable. it simply indicates that as the value of one variable increases, the value of another variable increases or decreases depending upon the strength of linear relationship between them.

Let X denote the number of hours spent on the internet. Let Y denote GPA. Let Z denote the number of hours spent in class. Suppose I say that the random variables X and Y have a strong negative linear relationship between them. This is equivalent to say that as the value of X increases, the value of Y decreases drastically. BUT it is not indicated that the change in Y is caused due to the change in X. there is another variable Z which affects the change in Y, as the value of X changes.

As the number of hours spent on internet (X) increases, it effects the value of number of hours spent in class (Z), which in turn changes or affects the value of GPA (Y). hence I cannot say that the changing number of hours spent on internet causes the change in GPA. but it is sufficient to say that there is a significant strong negative linear relationship between the number of hours spent on internet and GPA

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