Question

which relationships would most likely be causal? select two options. a positive correlation between the number of homework assignments completed and the grade on the exam a positive correlation between the temperature in a canyon in the early spring and the number of snakes seen by hikers a positive correlation between a childs shoe size and reading speed a negative correlation between the time a glass of ice water sits on the counter and its temperature a positive correlation between the number of students attending football games and the number of games that are won

Explanation:

• For "a positive correlation between the number of homework assignments completed and the grade on the exam": Completing more homework (cause) likely leads to better understanding and thus a higher exam grade (effect).
• For "a positive correlation between the temperature in a canyon in the early spring and the number of snakes seen by hikers": As temperature (cause) rises in early spring, snakes become more active and are more likely to be seen (effect).
• For "a positive correlation between a child's shoe size and reading speed": Shoe size and reading speed are both related to age (a confounding variable), not a direct causal relationship.
• For "a negative correlation between the time a glass of ice water sits on the counter and its temperature": As time (cause) passes, the ice water absorbs heat from the environment and its temperature increases (not a negative - causal relationship as stated).
• For "a positive correlation between the number of students attending football games and the number of games that are won": There is no direct causal link. A winning team may attract more students, but student attendance does not cause wins.

Answer:

a positive correlation between the number of homework assignments completed and the grade on the exam, a positive correlation between the temperature in a canyon in the early spring and the number of snakes seen by hikers