Dr. Jones conducts a correlational study of the relationship between the preference for violent television programming and aggression in children. She finds that the two variables are correlated and concludes that an increasing preference for violent television programs causes more aggression. Which of the following is most likely to be a potential obstacle in drawing a clear, causal inference from such correlational data?
A) Probability sampling
B) The extraneous variable problem
C) Nonresponse bias
D) The third-variable problem

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The third-variable problem is a potential obstacle because a correlation between two variables does not imply causation; there may be an unmeasured third variable influencing both.

Dr Jones Conducts a Correlational Study of the Relationship Between