Below is a list of five relationships that really exist (sort of). Describe in a

Question

Below is a list of five relationships that really exist (sort of). Describe in a sentence or two how a third variable might be a part of the spurious relationship that can explain the association. As an example, consider the relationship between "teachers' salaries and the price of alcohol". Studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between these two variables. But we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that there is a causal link between the two. More likely, it's some third variable that is causing the relationship. In this case, teachers who get paid more, happen to live in urban areas, and alcohol costs more in urban areas. Teachers who work in less populated areas, make less money, and booze costs less in rural areas. These are both a function of "urban inflation" people make more, but spend more if they live in densely populated areas. OK, have a go at the five examples listed below. Have fun with this.

Explanation / Answer

Relation between "Families with pets" and "Depressed patients" :

There is a positive correlation between these two variables. But, we should not jump to the conclusion that there is a causal link between the two. More likely, it is some third variable that is causing the relationship. In this case, If there are a large number of families with pets in a city, this situation will compel the hospitals in the city to provide suitable amenities for accommodating the pets of the patients and their guests. This will in a way cause much inconvenience to all the patients in the hospital, making them depressed.

Thus, third variable in this case is the amenities in the hospital to accommodate the pets.

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