A study demonstrates that the number of cigarettes smoked per day is significantly correlated with the number of respiratory infections experienced by young adults. We can conclude that
A)cigarette smoking causes respiratory infections.
B)cigarette smoking does not cause respiratory infections.
C)cigarette smoking causes some respiratory infections but not others.
D)the data do not allow inferences about causation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a significant correlation between two variables (in this case, cigarette smoking and respiratory infections) does not imply causation. Correlation indicates a relationship or association between variables, but it does not establish that one variable causes the other. Other factors could be influencing both variables, or the relationship could be coincidental. Therefore, without further experimental or longitudinal evidence that controls for other variables, causation cannot be inferred from correlation alone.

A Study Demonstrates That the Number of Cigarettes Smoked Per