Here are some recently reported correlations, with interpretations drawn by journalists.

Knowing just these correlations, can you come up with other possible explanations for each of these?

a. Alcohol use is associated with violence. (One interpretation: Drinking triggers, or unleashes, aggressive behavior.)

b. Educated people live longer, on average, than less-educated people. (One interpretation:

Education lengthens life and improves health.)

c. Teens engaged in team sports are less likely to use drugs, smoke, have sex, carry weapons, and eat junk food than are teens who do not engage in team sports. (One interpretation: Team sports encourage healthy living.)

d. Adolescents who frequently see smoking in movies are more likely to smoke. (One interpretation: Movie stars’ behavior influences impressionable teens.)