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In a study on explanatory style, researchers found a strong correlation between pessimistic explanatory style and poor physical health. They concluded that having a pessimistic explanatory style causes individuals to experience worse physical health. Evaluate the validity of this causal conclusion based on the study's correlational nature, and explain why this conclusion is problematic.
Question: In a study on explanatory style, researchers found a strong correlation between pessimistic explanatory style and poor physical health. They concluded that having a pessimistic explanatory style causes individuals to experience worse physical health. Evaluate the validity of this causal conclusion based on the study's correlational nature, and explain why this conclusion is problematic.
Sample answer: The causal conclusion is invalid because correlation does not equal causation. Since this is a correlational study, the researchers cannot establish the direction of cause (e.g., poor health could cause a pessimistic explanatory style) nor can they rule out potential third variables (e.g., pre-existing biological factors or socioeconomic status) that might influence both explanatory style and physical health.
Key points:
- State that the causal conclusion is invalid or unsupported.
- Explain that correlation does not equal causation.
- Identify the issue of directionality (poor health causing pessimism).
- Identify the third-variable problem (an underlying factor causing both).
Rubric: The response must: 1) Evaluate the causal claim as invalid/unsupported. 2) Explain that correlation does not establish causation. 3) Mention directionality or third-variable problems as limitations of the study.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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In a study on explanatory style, researchers found a strong correlation between pessimistic explanatory style and poor physical health. They concluded that having a pessimistic explanatory style causes individuals to experience worse physical health. Evaluate the validity of this causal conclusion based on the study's correlational nature, and explain why this conclusion is problematic.