Question

Crime-related and demographic statistics for 47 US states were collected from government agencies, including the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. One analysis of this data found a strong connection between education and crime indicating that higher levels of education in a community correspond to higher crime rates. Which of the potential problems with samples discussed below could explain this connection?

Answer 1

Answer:

The potential problem with samples that could explain this connection is:

Causality.

Explanation:

There are different problems with samples and sampling, including sampling bias, sample size, and explaining causality between two variables.  Sometimes, small sample sizes can be used to draw conclusions, but the larger the sample size, the better. Likewise, the elimination of sampling bias increases the accuracy of research conclusions.  Most importantly, while a relationship or correlation may exist between two variables, it does not necessarily imply or explain that one variable causes the other.