Question

question 3 of 10
suppose the correlation coefficient between a babys weight and the number of coffee shops in plumville is 0.87. which statement must be true?
a. as the baby gains weight, the number of coffee shops tends to increase.
b. as the baby gains weight, the number of coffee shops tends to decrease.
c. having more coffee shops around causes the baby to gain weight.
d. the babys weight gain causes people to open more coffee shops.

Explanation:

The correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. A positive correlation coefficient (in this case, \(0.87\)) indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase. However, correlation does not imply causation. Options C and D suggest a causal relationship, which cannot be concluded from a correlation coefficient alone. Option B is incorrect because the positive correlation coefficient means an increase in one variable (baby's weight) is associated with an increase in the other (number of coffee shops), not a decrease.

Answer:

A. As the baby gains weight, the number of coffee shops tends to increase.