Each of these relationships reflects a correlation. Which relationship most likely reflects correlation but not causation?Choices:(A) For a receptionist, greeting more visitors is associated with answering more phone calls.(B) For a librarian, interacting with more patrons is associated with answering more questions.(C) For a security guard, working more hours is associated with walking farther.
Q. Each of these relationships reflects a correlation. Which relationship most likely reflects correlation but not causation?Choices:(A) For a receptionist, greeting more visitors is associated with answering more phone calls.(B) For a librarian, interacting with more patrons is associated with answering more questions.(C) For a security guard, working more hours is associated with walking farther.
Analyzing Relationship (A): Analyze the relationship of option (A): Does greeting more visitors directly cause a receptionist to answer more phone calls? While these activities may occur concurrently due to the nature of the job, one does not cause the other. They are both tasks that a receptionist might do more frequently during busier times, but greeting visitors does not cause the receptionist to answer more phone calls.
Analyzing Relationship (B): Analyze the relationship of option (B): Does interacting with more patrons directly cause a librarian to answer more questions? It is likely that the more patrons a librarian interacts with, the more questions they will be asked. However, this is a direct relationship where the interaction with patrons is the reason for the questions, suggesting a potential causation rather than just correlation.
Analyzing Relationship (C): Analyze the relationship of option (C): Does working more hours directly cause a security guard to walk farther? It is reasonable to assume that the more hours a security guard works, the more they will have to patrol, which would naturally involve walking farther. This suggests a causal relationship, as the increase in hours worked is the reason for the increased distance walked.
Selecting Best Option: Select the option that most likely reflects correlation but not causation. Based on the analysis, option (A) is the best choice because the tasks of greeting visitors and answering phone calls are correlated due to the nature of the receptionist's job, but one does not cause the other.