Describe the third-variable problem and the directionality problem in correlational research. Explain how these problems make it impossible to obtain an unambiguous cause-and-effect conclusion from a correlational study
What will be an ideal response?
The third-variable problem means that there may be an outside variable that is influencing both of the variables being observed, with the result that the two observed variables appear to be related. In this case, the two variables will change together consistently but there is no cause-and-effect relationship between them. The directionality problem means that two variables are related but it is not clear which of the two variables is causing changes in the other. If you are not certain which variable is the cause and which is the effect, you do not have an unambiguous cause-and-effect relationship.
You might also like to view...
Regarding the midlife crisis, which of the following statements is TRUE?
a. Research shows that almost everyone has significant difficulty during the midpoint of life. b. Approximately one-half of men and women believe they have experienced a midlife crisis. c. About a quarter of men and women believe they have experienced a midlife crisis. d. Research shows that no one really experiences a "midlife crisis.".
Which of the following believed that emotional problems, which he called "hysteria," originated from unconscious conflicts?
a. Victor Frankl. b. Fritz Perls. c. Carl Rogers. d. Sigmund Freud.
Samuel loved going to see double-feature movies as a kid. He probably saw more than a hundred movies back then. But now he can't remember the actors, storylines, or even the titles. Which type of amnesia does Samuel have?
A. Retrograde B. Retroactive C. Anterograde D. Proactive
The standards for maintaining life for a 12-year-old child are usually the same as those considered for sustaining the life of an 85-year-old
Indicate whether the statement is true or false