Question

The correlation coefficient for blood pressure and amount of vegetables eaten in a group of people is −0.7. Analyze the following statement:
High blood pressure is caused by not eating vegetables.

Is this a reasonable conclusion?

Answer 1

No it's not a reasonable conclusion. Correlation does not lead to causation. If two variables are linked, then they may affect one another or there may be another set of factors involved. There isn't enough info to know for sure. The fact that r = -0.7 is fairly close to r = -1 indicates there's moderately strong negative correlation, but I don't think it's strong enough in my opinion. More research is needed.

In short, the keyword "caused" as part of the claim is what makes it unreasonable. There is no way to know that not eating vegetables leads to high blood pressure. It may be true but again, more info is needed.

Answer 2

Answer:

No, this is not a reasonable conclusion because it doesnt nessacarly mean that high blood pressure is caused by not eating vegatibles.