Correlation and Causation
Each of the links listed below will take you to an article in a magazine or journal describing some sort of correlation between variables. For this assignment, you are to choose any two of the articles and for each of them write a brief paragraph which you will submit to me via WebCT. Each paragraph should address the following:
A) Does the article describe a positive correlation or negative correlation?
B) What are two possible alternative explanations for the correlation being reported?
C) Do you feel the article was misleading in the manner in which it reported the correlation?
You will have to type your assignment using a word processor and save it either in word format (.doc) or in RTF format (.rtf).
The long & short of it -- Tall women aim high
Kids' TV habits tied to poorer test scores
TV -- any TV -- harms toddlers, study claims
ADHD treatment improves teens' grades, confidence
Eating pizza "cuts cancer risk"
Graffiti linked to obesity in city dwellers
ADHD treatment improves teens' grades, confidence
Breastfeeding fights arthritis
Physical fitness helps kids' minds, too
Walking may ward off Alzheimer's
Before the booze: Cactus extract dulls hangovers
Study links TV to teen sexual activity
Nice guys finish last
Luckiest people "born in summer"
Watching TV "is bad for children"
· Audio: Listen to researcher discuss his study
· Original research report in the journal Pediatrics
Teen drug use linked to truancy
Low self-esteem "shrinks brain"
Eat sweets, live longer
Microbe linked to Alzheimer's Disease
Cognitive behavior therapy appears beneficial in treating certain aspects of hypochondriasis
Cancer Drug Helps Paralyzed Mice Walk
Church Attendance Boosts Immunity
Video Games "Increase Aggression"
Higher beer prices "cut" gonorrhoea rates
Black people six times more likely to be jailed than whites
Early unsolicited sexual encounters lead to life of crime
Winning world cup lowers heart attack deaths
Does marriage make you happy?
Eating fish prevents crime