In a study analyzing a group of marketing professors' RMP ratings, the following correlation coefficients for the average scores on easiness, helpfulness, and clarity are found.

	Avg Easiness	Avg Helpfulness	Avg Clarity
Avg Easiness	1
Avg Helpfulness	.41	1
Avg Clarity	.42	.85	1

Based on the correlation coefficients presented in the table above, respond to the following questions:

1. What do the correlation coefficients show about the relationships between the three variables? Provide a few short descriptions.
2. What is a causal relationship(s) implied in the interpretation?
3. What are other plausible explanations for the positive correlations between easiness and helpfulness and easiness and clarity?
4. Do the data have proven a causal relationship between easiness and helpfulness and easiness and clarity? Why or why not?