In a correlational study, X is the number of hours of violent television programs that participants watch,

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In a correlational study, X is the number of hours of violent television programs that participants watch, and Y is the number of violent acts committed by the participants in real life. Suppose that there is a moderately high correlation (say, .48) between X and Y for a sample of 100 American males and that this result is statistically significant. Explain why we cannot infer causation from a correlational study by showing that each of the following is possible:

(a) X could cause Y.

(b) Y could cause X.

(c) The relationship between X and Y could be caused by a third variable. (Consider physiological causes of violent behavior.)

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Introductory Statistics For The Behavioral Sciences

ISBN: 9780470907764

7th Edition

Authors: Joan Welkowitz, Barry H. Cohen, R. Brooke Lea

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