Reference no: EM132792194

Question preface: Correlations, like other research data, should always be examined critically. It is important to remember that correlations, the establishment of a relationship between two variables or factors, does not imply that one variable has caused a change in the second, or vice versa. When we do incorrectly infer causality, we commit a " questionable cause logical fallacy", which will cause us to incorrectly interpret the the research. Consider the following example: a researcher that finds that "people who attend church regularly are less likely to commit crimes." This statement is true, but does that mean there a cause and effect relationship between church attendance and crime. Meaning we can't determine whether or not people who attend church are less likely to commit crimes because they attend church or people who choose to attend church have other characteristics that make them less like to commit crimes? Further, research is needed to examine these questions.

1. Give an original example of two factors that are positively correlated and two factors that negatively correlated. Explain what what means.

2. Explain what is meant when a result is statistically significant.