Professor Misha collects data showing a correlation between grades and happiness.He concludes that being happy helps students to get better grades.Which of the following illustrates the "directionality problem" in Professor X's conclusion?
A)Students in love may be happier and get better grades.
B)Good grades may produce happiness.
C)Students with poor grades may drop out of school.
D)Female (or male)students may get better grades.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The directionality problem refers to the inability to determine which variable is causing the observed effect. In this case, while Professor Misha concluded that being happy helps students get better grades, it is also possible that the opposite is true - that good grades produce happiness. Therefore, option B illustrates the directionality problem, as it presents an alternative explanation for the correlation observed by Professor Misha. Options A, C, and D do not address the directionality problem.

Professor Misha Collects Data Showing a Correlation Between Grades and Happiness.He