You have a situation in which three variables-X, Y, and Z-are correlated with one another. You find that the partial correlation of X with Y controlling for Z is zero. This finding means that
A) Z is a cause of both X and Y.
B) the relationship between X and Y can be completely accounted for by their common relationships with Z.
C) scores on Z cannot be used to predict scores on either X or Y.
D) both a and b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The zero partial correlation of X with Y controlling for Z means that once the effect of Z on both X and Y is removed, there is no remaining relationship between X and Y. This means that the relationship between X and Y can be completely accounted for by their common relationships with Z. It does not necessarily imply that Z is a cause of both X and Y or that scores on Z cannot be used to predict scores on X or Y.

You Have a Situation in Which Three Variables-X, Y, and Z-Are