You are studying homicide rates in a major city,and your data seem to be indicating something quite peculiar.You notice that ice cream consumption seems to be correlated with an increase in murder rates.Upon more careful reflection,you recall that murder rates tend to rise in the summer,when people are outside more (and,consequently?AU: This should be reworded.I believe it is also spurious.Being outside does not make people eat more ice cream.maybe "when people are more likely to be found outside eating ice cream." ,eating more ice cream).Your first conclusion is an example of __________.
AU: This should be reworded.I believe it is also spurious.Being outside does not make people eat more ice cream.maybe "when people are more likely to be found outside eating ice cream."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conclusion drawn about ice cream consumption and murder rates is spurious because it is based on a correlation without a clear causal relationship. The true cause of the increase in murder rates is likely to be the summer weather and increased outdoor activity, which coincidentally also increases ice cream consumption.

You Are Studying Homicide Rates in a Major City,and Your