Activity 1. Correlation and Causation:
We need to get in the habit of looking for other variables that may explain the relationship found in a correlation.
For the following, read the headline and some of the "facts" from the data. Does the data support the headline? Think of possible "third variables" that could explain the relationship. How could you reword the headline to more accurately reflect the results?
Headline: 'Diet of fish 'can prevent' teen violence.
Participants were a group of 3-year-olds given an enriched diet and exercise. The enriched diet included large amounts of fish. This first group was compared to a control group that did not go through the same program. By age 23, the participants in the first group were, on average, 64% less likely than the control group of children not on the enriched diet to have criminal records.
Note that the media article does not mention what the other kids ate.
Respond to each of the following questions:
1. What two variables are related according to the headline?
2. Is this a positive or negative correlation?
3. Does the data support the headline?
4. What are some possible "third variable" explanations?
5. How could you reword the headline to better reflect the results?
Type your response to each of these questions below, in the text or video format on the Media tab below.