Question

(c) employees at a large office building took a survey. the results show that those who began work earlier tended to drink less tea. which statement is most likely true?

• there is no correlation between start time and amount of tea consumed.
• there is a correlation between start time and amount of tea consumed. there may or may not be causation. further studies would have to be done to determine this.
• there is a correlation between start time and amount of tea consumed. however, there is no causation. this is because there is a decrease in the amount of tea consumed with an earlier start time.

Explanation:

The survey shows a trend: earlier start time correlates with less tea consumption. Correlation means a relationship exists, but causation (one directly causing the other) isn’t proven without further study. Option C correctly states this correlation and notes no causation is confirmed.

Answer:

C. There is a correlation between start time and amount of tea consumed. However, there is no causation. This is because there is a decrease in the amount of tea consumed with an earlier start time.