Question

the number of times a player has golfed in ones lifetime is compared to the number of strokes it takes the player to complete 18 holes. the correlation coefficient relating the two variables is -0.26. which best describes the strength of the correlation, and what is true about the causation between the variables? it is a weak negative correlation, and it is not likely causal. it is a weak negative correlation, and it is likely causal. it is a strong negative correlation, and it is not likely causal. it is a strong negative correlation, and it is likely causal.

Explanation:

• Correlation strength: The correlation coefficient \(r=-0.26\). The magnitude \(|r| = 0.26\). Since \(0<|r|<0.3\) is considered a weak correlation (by general rules of thumb for interpreting correlation coefficients: \(|r|\approx0 - 0.3\) is weak, \(|r|\approx0.3 - 0.7\) is moderate, \(|r|\approx0.7 - 1\) is strong).
• Causation: Just because there is a correlation (even if it were stronger) between the number of times a player has golfed in a lifetime and the number of strokes to complete 18 holes, correlation does not imply causation. There could be other confounding variables (e.g., natural talent, quality of equipment, practice intensity other than just the number of times played) that affect the number of strokes.

Answer:

It is a weak negative correlation, and it is not likely causal.