Question

question 7 (5 points)
short answer. write the word or phrase that best completes each statement or answers the question.
a random sample of 200 men aged between 20 and 60 was selected from a certain city.
the linear correlation coefficient between income and blood pressure was found to be
r = 0.807. what does this imply? does this suggest that if a man gets a salary raise his blood pressure is likely to rise? why or why not? what are likely lurking variables?

Explanation:

A linear correlation coefficient \( r = 0.807 \) implies a strong positive linear relationship between income and blood pressure in the sample. However, correlation does not imply causation. Just because there is a strong correlation does not mean that a salary raise causes blood pressure to rise. There could be lurking variables. For example, age could be a lurking variable. As men get older (within the 20 - 60 age range), they may have higher incomes (due to more years of work experience) and also may have higher blood pressure (due to biological changes with age). Another lurking variable could be job stress - higher - stress jobs may offer higher salaries and also contribute to higher blood pressure.

Answer:

A strong positive linear relationship exists between income and blood pressure in the sample. No, correlation does not imply causation. Lurking variables like age or job stress are likely.