Unit 2: Using Technology to Analyze Data

Question 1

What are the 8 criteria for determining causation?

Answer 1

1. Temporality
2. Reversibility
3. Strength of Association
4. Exposure-response
5. Consistency
6. Biologic plausibility
7. Analogy
8. Specificity

Question 2

Explain & give an example of Cause and Effect Association

Answer 2

A causal relationship where a change in the independent variable will directly produce a change in the dependent variable.
Examples:
- coffee consumption and bathroom breaks
- price of gas and bicycle sales

Question 3

Explain & give an example of Reversal Cause and Effect Association

Answer 3

A causal relationship in which a change in the dependent variable will directly produce a change in the independent variable.
Examples:
- flooding and average daily rainfall amounts
- children’s height and age
- BMI and hours of exercise
- Cancer and smoking

Question 4

Explain & give an example of Common Cause Relationship

Answer 4

A causal relationship where simultaneous changes in 2 variables (x and y) are due to changes in a third variable (z). Z is the independent variable, x and y are dependent of z.
Examples:
- price of cat food and price of cafeteria food (increase cost of meat)
- ice cream consumption and drowning (heat)
- price of butter and price of motorcycles (inflation)

Question 5

Explain & give an example of Accidental Relationship

Answer 5

An observed correlation between 2 variables does not signify any kind of causal relationship (accident or coincidence).
Examples:
- birth rate and price of gas
- number of reality TV shows and number of female engineers
- ozone levels and cell phone use