A psychologist suggests that, as there is a positive correlation between people who take more vacations and better physical health, people should take more vacations to improve their physical health. After thinking about this result, you realize that this association may be a result of a third factor income. People with more income can afford more vacations and can afford better health care. This explanation best illustrates which limitation of correlational research?
A)Bidirectional causality problem
B)Third variable problem
C)Placebo effect
D)Experimenter expectancy effects

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The explanation illustrates the third variable problem, where a variable not accounted for (in this case, income) affects both of the variables being studied (vacation frequency and physical health), potentially explaining their correlation.

A Psychologist Suggests That, as There Is a Positive Correlation