Question

which relationships would most likely be causal? select two options.

• a negative correlation between the temperature and the amount of snow still on the ground
• a negative correlation between the number of digital photos uploaded to a website and the amount of storage space that is left
• a positive correlation between the length of the side of a pool and its depth
• a positive correlation between the height of a woman and the height of her brother
• a negative correlation between the volume of water in a pot and the amount of time that the water takes to boil

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Temperature and snow on ground

As temperature rises (positive change), snow melts, so the amount of snow on the ground decreases (negative change). This is a causal relationship (temperature causes snow to melt).

• Option 2: Digital photos uploaded and storage left

As more photos are uploaded (positive change), storage space decreases (negative change). Uploading photos directly uses storage, so this is causal.

• Option 3: Pool side length and depth

The length of a pool’s side and its depth are independent design choices; one does not cause the other. No causal link.

• Option 4: Woman’s height and brother’s height

Height correlation here is due to genetics (a shared factor), not a direct causal relationship (one’s height does not cause the other’s height).

• Option 5: Water volume and boiling time

More water (higher volume) requires more heat to boil, so boiling time increases with volume (positive correlation), not negative. Thus, this is not causal as stated.

Step2: Identify causal options

From the analysis, the first two options (temperature-snow, photos-storage) have direct causal relationships.

Answer:

A. a negative correlation between the temperature and the amount of snow still on the ground
B. a negative correlation between the number of digital photos uploaded to a website and the amount of storage space that is left