Question

independent practice
research findings show that the higher the number of volunteers that show up after a natural disaster, the greater the damage. does this mean that more damages occur because of volunteers?
yes, more volunteers means more damage occurred.
yes, more damage means more volunteers will show up.
no, the likely cause is that the natural disaster also affected the volunteers. so, everyone affected becomes a volunteer to help others who are affected.
no, the likely cause is the size of the natural disaster. a larger natural disaster will imply that more volunteers will show up.

Explanation:

Correlation does not imply causation. Just because the number of volunteers and the damage are correlated (higher volunteers - greater damage) doesn't mean one causes the other. A third - variable (the size of the natural disaster) is likely at play. A larger disaster causes more damage and also attracts more volunteers.

Answer:

No, the likely cause is the size of the natural disaster. A larger natural disaster will imply that more volunteers will show up.