The figure below shows the association between female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to for several different countries.Also shown is the equation and correlation from a regression analysis.What is the correct conclusion to draw from the figure?

A) While there appears to be a very strong association,there is probably not a cause-and-effect relationship between female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to.Access to basic health care is probably a lurking variable that drives both female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to.
B) Those countries with low life expectancies clearly have no regard for children or expectant mothers.
C) Countries that have low life expectancies and high average number of children women give birth to seem to have less regard for the sanctity of human life.
D) The association must be coincidental.I would expect the association to have a positive slope,not the negative one illustrated above.
E) High average number of children women give birth to is causing reduced life expectancy,probably because of the increased fatigue and emotional stress exerted on mothers.

Question

The figure below shows the association between female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to for several different countries.Also shown is the equation and correlation from a regression analysis.What is the correct conclusion to draw from the figure?

A) While there appears to be a very strong association,there is probably not a cause-and-effect relationship between female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to.Access to basic health care is probably a lurking variable that drives both female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to.
B) Those countries with low life expectancies clearly have no regard for children or expectant mothers.
C) Countries that have low life expectancies and high average number of children women give birth to seem to have less regard for the sanctity of human life.
D) The association must be coincidental.I would expect the association to have a positive slope,not the negative one illustrated above.
E) High average number of children women give birth to is causing reduced life expectancy,probably because of the increased fatigue and emotional stress exerted on mothers.

Wesly Laguerre · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  The figure shows a negative correlation between female life expectancy and the average number of children women give birth to. However, it is unlikely that giving birth to more children directly causes lower life expectancy. Access to basic health care is probably a lurking variable that drives both variables. It is also important to note that correlation does not imply causation.

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