Asked by Darion Mullins on May 10, 2024
Verified
A correlational research study was conducted that found that adults who ate oatmeal as children were four times more likely to develop cancer than those who did not. Can the authors of this correlational study conclude that oatmeal causes cancer? Why or why not?
Correlational Research
A type of research method that examines the extent to which two variables are systematically associated with each other, without inferring a cause-and-effect relationship.
Oatmeal
A porridge made from oats, often eaten as a breakfast dish, known for its health benefits including high fiber content.
Cancer
A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
- Grasp the difference between correlation and causation, and the limitations of correlational research.
Verified Answer
SA
Seham AboushoushaMay 12, 2024
Final Answer :
No, the authors cannot conclude causality from a correlational study. Correlations show relationships but cannot demonstrate cause and effect relationships. To draw a causal conclusion the researchers needed to conduct an experiment.
Learning Objectives
- Grasp the difference between correlation and causation, and the limitations of correlational research.