Mat 540 Statistical Concept Week 2

Week 2 Discussion 1

Scatter Plot

Provide a link for a picture of a scatter plot where the r value is not given. Estimate what you think the r value would be and explain why.

Discussion 2

Correlation and Causation

Read the information in Chapter 3 of your text on correlation and causation and Example 6 titled “Spurious Correlation by Lurking Variables”. This describes an observed correlation that may be caused by the influence of a third variable. Describe and cite a study where the correlation may be spurious.  Alternately, you may choose to create and describe your own study where the observed correlation may be influenced by a third variable.

Required Text

Johnson, Richard A. & Gouri K. Bhattacharyya.  (2014). Statistics: Principles & Methods. (7th Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  ISBN: 9781119049661. ISBN: 9781118192450 (includes WileyPLUS). ISBN: 9781118190975 (WileyPLUS stand-alone)