In correlational studies, we cannot interpret which variable may be the cause and which variable may be the effect.This phenomenon is known as
A)observer bias.
B)experimenter expectancy effects.
C)the directionality problem.
D)the third variable problem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The directionality problem occurs in correlational studies because we cannot determine which variable is causing the other. It is possible that one variable is causing the other, or they may both be caused by a third variable. However, without experimental manipulation, we cannot determine the direction of the causal relationship. Observer bias and experimenter expectancy effects refer to potential sources of error in research design, while the third variable problem is related to the presence of a confounding variable that may be causing a correlation between the two measured variables.

In Correlational Studies, We Cannot Interpret Which Variable May Be