After careful study of the relationship between the economy and arson,the conclusion was drawn that when the economy is poor and unemployment is high the arson rates go up.The researcher concluded that unemployed people are more likely to commit arson than are those that are employed.What error was just committed?
A) the ecological fallacy
B) reductionism
C) using the wrong time dimension
D) an internal validity threat

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researcher has committed the ecological fallacy, which is the mistaken assumption that conclusions drawn from aggregated data can be applied to individuals. The fact that there is a correlation between unemployment and arson at a population level does not necessarily mean that all unemployed individuals are more likely to commit arson than all employed individuals. The relationship may be due to other factors that are associated with both unemployment and arson, such as poverty or social disadvantage.

After Careful Study of the Relationship Between the Economy and Arson,the