One goal of statistics is to identify relations among variables. What happens to one variable as another variable changes? Does a change in one variable cause a change in another variable? These questions can lead to powerful methods of predicting future values through linear regression. It is important to note the true meaning and scope of correlation, which is the nature of the relation between two variables. Correlation does not allow us to say that there is any causal link between the two variables. In other words, we cannot say that one variable causes another; however, it is not uncommon to see such use in the news media. An example is shown below.

Here we see that, at least visually, there appears to be a relation between the divorce rate in Maine and the per capita consumption of margarine. Does this data imply that all married couples in Maine should immediately stop using margarine to stave off divorce? Common sense tells us that is probably not true. This is an example of a spurious correlation in which there appears to be a relation between the divorce rate and margarine consumption, but it is not a causal link. The appearance of such a relation could merely be due to coincidence or perhaps another unseen factor. What is one instance where you have seen correlation misinterpreted as causation? Please describe. (Do not answer these questions!!)

Only need a substantive reply to the classmates answer!!

Classmates answer: A good example I have noticed of correlation being misinterpreted as causation surrounds the topics of violent behavior, and playing violent video games. Some people choose to blame the increase in violent behavior in younger people on violent video games, which over time have become both increasingly popular and realistic. I have always found this to be ridiculous because I have known many people including myself who have played games of this nature, even when we were younger than the suggested age rating, and this assumption could not be further from the truth. While this may be an anecdotal experience, this same sentiment is shared by many people who play video games with violence. In reality, the cause of violent behavior is likely due to mental or behavioral issues, which could be caused by one's upbringing. Maybe not in every instance, but good parenting could easily help to children to act properly as they grow up. So while violent behavior has become more common in young people, it is not fair to attribute this to the evolution of violent video games.

Example answer: Your insight into personal experiences and those of others who have played violent video games without exhibiting violent behavior adds an important layer to this discussion. Indeed, focusing on promoting good parenting practices and addressing underlying mental and behavioral issues is crucial for understanding and addressing violent behavior in young people. By addressing these root causes, society can work towards fostering healthier environments for children to grow and develop. It's essential to critically evaluate the evidence and consider multiple factors before drawing conclusions.