For Each of 200 Randomly Selected Cities, Pete Recorded the Number

question 27

Essay

For each of 200 randomly selected cities, Pete recorded the number of churches in the city (x)and the number of homicides in the past decade (y). He calculated the linear
correlation coefficient and was surprised to find a strong positive linear correlation for the
two variables. Does this suggest that building new churches causes an increase in the number
of homicides? Why do you think that a strong positive linear correlation coefficient was
obtained? Explain your answer with reference to the term lurking variable.

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Definitions:

Human Behavior

The range of actions and mannerisms exhibited by humans in conjunction with their environment, influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, and genetics.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A theory suggesting that there is an optimal level of arousal for performance, and that too little or too much arousal can adversely affect task performance.

Arousal

A physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli, often associated with increased heart rate, alertness, and readiness to respond.

Primary Drives

Basic, innate urges or needs that are essential for survival, such as hunger or thirst.