A researcher wants to study the relationship between lifespan and cigarette smoking.For this study,he cannot ethically manipulate people to smoke cigarettes,so the researcher must rely on a correlational study.Based on the correlational approach,which of the following statements would be an appropriate conclusion?
A) Smoking cigarettes is related to decreases in lifespan.
B) A hard,stressful life causes people to smoke.
C) Shorter lifespan and cigarette smoking cause the other in equal proportions.
D) Cigarette smoking causes people to die young.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on a correlational study, the researcher can only draw conclusions about the relationship between variables, not causality. In this case, the correlational data would suggest that there is a negative relationship between smoking cigarettes and lifespan, indicating that smokers tend to have shorter lifespans than non-smokers. Therefore, option A is the correct statement to conclude from the correlational study. Options B, C, and D suggest causality, which cannot be established through correlational research.

A Researcher Wants to Study the Relationship Between Lifespan and Cigarette