A biology student does a study to investigate the association between the amount of sunlight and the number of roses on a rosebush in one summer.(The $\mathrm { R } ^ { 2 }$ value is 58%)He claims that the amount of sunlight determines 58% of the number of roses on a rosebush in one summer.
A)The $\mathrm { R } ^ { 2 }$ has to be greater than 90% to make a statement like this.
B)The amount of sunlight accounts for 58% of the variation in the number of roses.It does not determine the number of roses.
C)The amount of sunlight will increase the number of roses 58% of the time.
D)The amount of variation in sunlight changes 58% of the time.This tells us nothing about the number of roses.
E)There is nothing wrong with the interpretation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement "the amount of sunlight determines 58% of the number of roses on a rosebush in one summer" is incorrect. It implies causation, which cannot be determined from correlational data. The correct interpretation is that the amount of sunlight accounts for 58% of the variation in the number of roses, meaning that 58% of the variability in the number of roses can be explained by the amount of sunlight.

A Biology Student Does a Study to Investigate the Association R2\mathrm { R } ^ { 2 }R2

A Biology Student Does a Study to Investigate the Association $\mathrm { R } ^ { 2 }$