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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyAssociation is not causation

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

In a town, both ice cream sales and the number of sunburn cases rise during the summer. Which of the following statements is best supported by this information?

  1. A. Ice cream sales and sunburn cases are associated, but neither necessarily causes the other.Correct
  2. B. Eating ice cream causes sunburn.
  3. C. Getting sunburnt makes people buy ice cream.
  4. D. The data must be wrong.

Answer: A. Ice cream sales and sunburn cases are associated, but neither necessarily causes the other.

Both rise with summer sunshine; the association does not show causation.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Eating ice cream causes sunburn.
No cause is shown.
C. Getting sunburnt makes people buy ice cream.
No cause is shown.
D. The data must be wrong.
The pattern is plausible and needs no error to explain it.

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