A published study found a correlation between holidays celebrated and homework assignments. Is causation likely or unlikely? A. Causation is likely. It is reasonable to say teachers assign more homework on holidays.
B. Causation is unlikely. A third variable could be school vacations increase both homework assignments and holidays celebrated.
C. Causation is likely. A third variable could be school vacations increase both homework assignments and holidays celebrated.
D. Causation is unlikely. It is reasonable to say teachers assign more homework on holidays.
The correct answer is B. Causation is unlikely. A third variable could be school vacations increasing both homework assignments and holidays celebrated.
Explanation: While there might be a correlation between holidays and homework, it doesn’t mean that one causes the other. A third variable, like school vacations, could influence both factors, meaning they may be related for reasons other than direct causation.