Question

“Being bilingual protects from dementia.”

A). Identify the implied dependent and independent variables.

B). Does the headline demonstrate a positive or negative correlation between the two?

C). Is there a plausible mechanism (confounding factor) through which we could explain why the independent variable has a

causal impact on the outcome?

D). Now try to think of reasons why this could be a spurious relationship instead and construct alternative explanations.

Answer 1

SOLUTION:

a) The Dependent variable is BMI
The Independent variable is counterfeit sweetner.

b.) Headline exhibits a positive correlations as the BMI is suspected to increment with increment in fake sweetners.

c.) A confounding factor could be the decreases metabolism levels. Since artificial sweetners utilize certain chemicals they could harm the health by disturbing which in turn can prompt increment in BMI

D.) May be the individuals analyzed are diabetics who tend to eat sugar so they utilize such zero calorie fake sweetners and high BMI.