Imagine That a Researcher Finds a Statistically Significant Positive Correlation

question 20

Multiple Choice

Imagine that a researcher finds a statistically significant positive correlation between how much time couples spend doing fun things together each week and their relationship satisfaction.Although the researcher concludes that spending more time doing fun things together boosts relationship satisfaction,there are many alternative explanations for these correlational results.Which of the following reflects the third-variable problem?

• A) Couples who are satisfied in their relationships are more eager to spend time doing fun things together.
• B) Having greater financial resources allows couples to do more fun things together and enhances relationship satisfaction (e.g., by removing financial stress or by supporting therapy).
• C) The sample size in the study was too small, so the statistically significant correlation may have been a fluke.
• D) The researchers evaluated time doing fun things together with a self-report question and therefore do not know whether this measure accurately reflects how they spent their time.

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Definitions:

Logical Expressions

Statements that are evaluated as true or false and are used to control the flow of execution in programming languages.

Logical Expression

A statement that evaluates to true or false depending on the values of its variables and logical operators used.

Evaluates

Refers to the process of assessing or calculating the value or result of an expression in programming and mathematics.

Break Statement

A control statement used in looping and switch statements in programming to exit the loop or switch prematurely.