Question

We analyzed a hypothetical bivariate table (aka a cross-tabulation) and concluded that college students who used on-campus academic services (X) more frequently during their first year were more likely return (Y) for the fall of their second year. Yet, when we considered a control variable Z (part-time or full-time status during Year 1), we noticed that the positive relationship between X & Y was much stronger for part-time students. This finding best illustrates which type of relationship between variables:

A. conditional

B. intervening

C. bivariate

D. spurious causal

Answer 1

correct answer is option D

because we know that there is no causal relationship between variable x and y, i.e. there is no causal relationship between the college students who used on campus academic services more frequently during their first year and the return (Y) for the fall of second year, but it is presence of the third variable or control variable z which makes a causal relationship between variable x and y

So, this is the spurious causal relationship