Question

(b) a traffic study determined that a larger city population indicates a longer commute time for drivers. what can we say from this information?

there is no correlation between commute time and city population.
there is a correlation between commute time and city population. however, there is no causation. this is because there is an increase in the commute time with an increase in the city population.
there is a correlation between commute time and city population. there may or may not be causation. further studies would have to be done to determine this.

Explanation:

The study shows a relationship (larger population → longer commute time), which means correlation exists. Correlation alone does not prove causation—other factors (e.g., infrastructure) could be involved. So causation needs further study.

Answer:

C. There is a correlation between commute time and city population. There may or may not be causation. Further studies would have to be done to determine this.