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 of \(r\) (\(\vert r\vert=0.26\)) is less than \(0.5\), so it is a weak correlation. The negative sign indicates a negative correlation (as the number of times a player has golfed increases, the number of strokes may tend to decrease).
• Causation: Just because there is a correlation (even if it were stronger), correlation does not imply causation. There could be other factors (e.g., natural talent, practice intensity other than just the number of times golfed) that affect the number of strokes. So, it is not likely causal.

Answer:

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