Question

a change in the amount of milk they purchase. what can we conclude?
there is no correlation between amount of oatmeal bought and amount of milk purchased.
there is a correlation between amount of oatmeal bought and amount of milk purchased. however, there is no causation. this is because there is likely a decrease in the amount of milk purchased with a decrease in the amount of oatmeal bought.
there is a correlation between amount of oatmeal bought and amount of milk purchased. there may or may not be causation. further studies would have to be done to determine this.
(c) tammy compared the player statistics from team’s basketball season. she determined that being taller does not imply that a player scores more or fewer points. what is likely true?
there is no correlation between height and number of points scored.
there is a correlation between height and number of points scored. there may or may not be causation. further studies would have to be done to determine this.
there is a correlation between height and number of points scored. however, there is no causation. this is because there is probably an increase in the number points scored with an increase in height.

Explanation:

For the first part (oatmeal and milk):

When two variables (oatmeal bought and milk purchased) have a relationship where a change in one might relate to a change in the other, correlation exists. But causation (one causing the other) isn't confirmed without further study. The first option says no correlation (incorrect). The second's reasoning about decrease is wrong. The third correctly states correlation exists and causation needs more study.

Tammy found height doesn't imply more or fewer points, meaning the variables don't have a linear (or predictable) relationship, so no correlation. The second option says correlation (wrong). The third's reasoning about increase is wrong as Tammy found no implication. So the first option is correct.

Answer:

There is a correlation between amount of oatmeal bought and amount of milk purchased. There may or may not be causation. Further studies would have to be done to determine this.

For part (c) (height and points scored):