A Major Shortcoming of a Correlational Study Is That Even

question 177

Essay

A major shortcoming of a correlational study is that even when a correlation between two variables is statistically significant, one cannot infer causation. For example, a significant correlation exists between life stress and depression, yet one cannot say for sure that life stress causes depression. Given this major shortcoming, what are some specific reasons one might still wish to conduct a correlational study, as opposed to an experimental study (from which one might infer a cause-and-effect relationship)?

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Definitions:

Median Income

The middle value of income in a list of numbers, where half of the income amounts are higher and half are lower.

Average Income

The median amount of income earned per individual or household in a specific area over a set period.

Debt Ceiling

The maximum amount of money the government is authorized to borrow without seeking approval from Congress.

Chapter 12

A chapter of the Bankruptcy Code specifically designed to address the financial restructuring of family farmers and fishermen.