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:

Self-Monitoring

The practice of observing and regulating one's own behavior in social situations based on the perceived expectation of others.

Cynical Performances

Actions characterized by disbelief in the sincerity or goodness of human motives and actions.

Romantic Relationships

Emotional and physical connections between individuals that often involve love, commitment, and intimacy.

Overjustification Effect

The tendency for salient rewards or threats to lead people to attribute the reason, or justification, for engaging in an activity to an external factor, which thereby undermines their intrinsic motivation for and enjoyment of the activity.