Which of the Following May Be Safely Inferred When a Significant

question 208

Multiple Choice

Which of the following may be safely inferred when a significant negative correlation is found between variables x and y?

• A) y causes x
• B) x causes y
• C) as x increases, y decreases
• D) as x increases, y increases

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Definitions:

Attribution Theory

A social psychology theory focused on how individuals interpret and assign causes to their own and others' behaviors.

Actor-observer Bias

The tendency to attribute one's own actions to external causes while attributing others' actions to internal characteristics.

Self-serving Bias

The common human tendency to attribute positive events to one's own character but attribute negative events to external factors.

Environmental Cause

A factor in the surrounding environment that contributes to the development or outcome of a condition or event.