Which relationships would most likely be causal? Check all that apply.

A) a positive correlation between the number of homework assignments completed and the grade on the exam

B) a positive correlation between the temperature in a canyon in the early spring and the number of snakes seen by hikers

C) a positive correlation between a child's shoe size and reading speed

D) a negative correlation between the time a glass of ice water sits on the counter and its temperature

E) a positive correlation between the number of students attending football games and the number of games that are won

Answer: A. B, and D are most likely causal relationships.

Explanation:

A causal relationship exists when an event may be considered the cause of the other. On the other hand, when two events are associated by how the behave but none may be the physical cause of the occurrence of the other then they are only correlated.

These are the relationships that would most likely be causal:

A) a positive correlation between the number of homework assignments completed and the grade on the exam

Of course, if you complete more assignments you likely will be better prepared to have good grades.

B) a positive correlation between the temperature in a canyon in the early spring and the number of snakes seen by hikers

May be the hot weather causes the snakes to move from one place to another.

D) a negative correlation between the time a glass of ice water sits on the counter and its temperature

The lower the temperature of the ice water the longer the time to evaporate.

Those are causations: cause - effect relationships.

On the other hand, the other two relationships:

C) a positive correlation between a child’s shoe size and reading speed, and E) a positive correlation between the number of students attending football games and the number of games that are won,

cannot be considered causual, they are just might be correlated.