A psychologist found a significant correlation between a history of childhood physical abuse and the likelihood of a person later becoming aggressive. Other researchers conducting correlational studies replicated this finding. What is the BEST conclusion that the psychologist can draw from the results of these studies?
A) Early physical abuse causes later aggression.
B) Early physical and sexual abuse causes later aggression.
C) Early physical abuse is related to later aggression.
D) Later aggression is the result of early physical abuse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The psychologist can conclude that there is a relationship between early physical abuse and later aggression. However, correlational studies do not establish causation, so it cannot be definitively stated that early physical abuse causes later aggression. It is also important to note that the scope of the relationship is limited to physical abuse and aggression, and does not necessarily include other types of abuse (such as sexual abuse).

A Psychologist Found a Significant Correlation Between a History of Childhood