Professor Radetzky found a significant positive correlation between the amount of violent television programming children watch and how aggressive the children are. He concludes that watching violent television programming causes children to become aggressive. The problem with Professor Radetzky's conclusion is that
A) causality might go the other way: being aggressive might dispose children to watch violent television programming.
B) there might be a third variable-such as how the children's parents' behave-that might be a cause of both the amount of violent television programming the children watch and how aggressive they are.
C) both a and b
D) neither a nor b; that is, there is no problem with Professor Radetzky's conclusion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both options A and B are plausible explanations for the correlation between violent television programming and aggressive behavior in children. It is possible that aggressive children are drawn to violent television programming, rather than the programming causing aggression. Additionally, there may be other factors at play, such as parenting style or socio-economic status, that influence both television-watching behavior and aggression. Therefore, Professor Radetzky's conclusion is not fully supported by the correlation data alone.

Professor Radetzky Found a Significant Positive Correlation Between the Amount