Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

When events A and B are positively correlated, what can be inferred about their causal relationship?

1. Either A causes B, or B causes A.

2. A causes B.

3. It is almost certain that they are not causally related.

4. We can never be certain if A and B are causally related.

The correct answer is: We can never be certain if A and B are causally related.

When events A and B are positively correlated, this means that as one event increases, the other event also tends to increase. However, correlation does not imply causation; it merely indicates a relationship between the two variables. Choosing the option stating that we can never be certain if A and B are causally related reflects a clear understanding of the principle that correlation does not establish a direct cause-and-effect scenario. There could be other underlying factors or third variables influencing both A and B, leading to their positive correlation without one actually causing the other. This perspective aligns with the foundation of statistical analysis and research methodology, where establishing a causal link requires more rigorous testing, such as controlled experiments or longitudinal studies, rather than simply relying on the observation of correlation. Thus, acknowledging the uncertainty in causative claims when only correlation exists is a key takeaway in understanding the nuances behind statistical relationships.