Question

Question 94 pts

Dr. Nardole investigated the relationship between I.Q. and amount of time binge-watching sci-fi on Netflix. He finds a correlation coefficient of .91, which is significant at the .05 alpha level.

But Dr. Nardole is very smart and does not conclude that high IQ leads to binge-watching sci-fi. He writes that  “the causal connection could actually be the opposite: Watching sci-fi may make one more intelligent. There is no way to know from the correlational data.”

What principle is demonstrated by Dr. Nardole's statement?

directionality

third variable problem

An unreasonable alpha level

All of these are correct

Answer 1

(A) Directionality is the correct answer because there are variables which are correlated to each other, but it is not clear that which one causes the change in other variable. Thus, it is a directionality principle which is demonstrated by Dr Nardole's statement.

(B) It is not a third variable problem because Dr Nardole's statement include only 2 variables and specifically mentioned that he don't know which one causing the change in the other variable. So, it is clear that there is no third variable involved in the statement.

(C) We can pick any alpha level to test the significance of correlation. So, it is an incorrect option

Only option A is correct.