Correlation

AP Statistics· difficulty 3/5

Slope inference shows ice cream sales positively associated with shark attacks (p < 0.001).

What is the best interpretation?

A
$Slope inference proves causation$
B
$Ice cream causes shark attacks$
C
$A common cause (e.g., warm weather) likely explains the association$
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D
$Sharks like ice cream$

Explanation

Statistical significance does not establish causation. A confounder like temperature explains both variables — common-cause/lurking variable.

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