Question

(b) a hospital found that a lower outside temperature indicates a higher number of patient visits. what can we determine from this information?
there is no correlation between outside temperature and number of patient visits.
there is a correlation between outside temperature and number of patient visits. however, there is no causation. this is because there is an increase in the number of patient visits with a decrease in the temperature outside.
there is a correlation between outside temperature and number of patient visits. there may or may not be causation. further studies would have to be done to determine this.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the relationship between outside temperature and patient visits. Correlation means a relationship (here, negative correlation as temp decreases, visits increase). Causation (one causes the other) can't be confirmed just from correlation; further studies are needed to check if lower temp directly causes more visits (e.g., maybe colds increase in cold weather, but other factors could exist). The first option is wrong (there is correlation). The second option incorrectly states "no causation" is definite, but we can't be sure without more study. The third option correctly says there's correlation, and causation is uncertain without further research.

Answer:

There is a correlation between outside temperature and number of patient visits. There may or may not be causation. Further studies would have to be done to determine this.