Why can't the regression coefficients in correlation analysis be interpreted as the causal effect of a treatment on the outcome?
A) Co-movement/correlation amongst two variables could be generated by their relationship to other variables.
B) Regression coefficients in correlation analysis cannot be consistent.
C) Regression coefficients in correlation analysis cannot be unbiased.
D) You cannot conduct hypothesis tests on coefficients in correlation analysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation analysis only shows the relationship between two variables and cannot establish causation. This is because there could be other variables influencing the relationship between the two variables being analyzed. Therefore, regression coefficients in correlation analysis cannot be interpreted as the causal effect of a treatment on the outcome.

Why Can't the Regression Coefficients in Correlation Analysis Be Interpreted