DeYoung and colleagues (2010) were able to identify brain regions correlated with variations in Big Five traits. Can they claim that variations in volume of the brain regions caused variations in the Big Five?
A) Yes, because MRI evidence enables one to identify brain regions that cause behavior.
B) Yes, because past research indicates that the direction of causality is always from brain to behavior.
C) No, because MRI evidence is infamously unreliable.
D) No, because correlation does not enable one to establish the direction of causality.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation does not enable one to establish the direction of causality. Even if brain regions are identified as being correlated with variations in Big Five traits, it is not possible to claim that the variations in brain regions caused the variations in the Big Five. Other factors could be at play, and more research would be needed to establish causality. The other options are not correct because MRI evidence is not infamously unreliable (C), and past research does not always indicate that the direction of causality is from brain to behavior (B). Moreover, MRI evidence can identify brain regions that are involved in behavior, but it does not necessarily establish causality.

DeYoung and Colleagues (2010) Were Able to Identify Brain Regions