Skip to main content
Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics
Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition
Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTriola 14th EditionCh. 1 - Introduction to StatisticsProblem 1.1.33
Chapter 1, Problem 1.1.33

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.
Cell Phones and Pirates In recent years, the numbers of cell phones and the numbers of pirates have both increased, so there is a correlation, or association, between those two variables. Therefore, pirates cause increases in cell phones.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the type of correlation: The problem describes a correlation between the number of cell phones and the number of pirates. Correlation measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.
Understand correlation vs causation: Correlation does not imply causation. Just because two variables are correlated does not mean that one causes the other to change.
Consider alternative explanations: There could be other factors or variables that are influencing both the number of cell phones and the number of pirates, leading to a spurious correlation.
Evaluate the logical fallacy: The statement 'pirates cause increases in cell phones' is an example of a post hoc fallacy, where it is incorrectly assumed that because one event follows another, the first event must be the cause of the second.
Conclude with the correct interpretation: The correlation between the number of cell phones and the number of pirates is likely coincidental or due to an external factor, and there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between the two variables.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables, indicating that they change together. However, it does not imply that one variable causes the other. In the given example, while both cell phone usage and the number of pirates have increased, this does not mean that the rise in pirates is responsible for the increase in cell phones.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:39
Visualizing Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

Spurious Correlation

A spurious correlation occurs when two variables appear to be related but are actually influenced by a third variable or are coincidental. In this case, the increase in both cell phones and pirates could be due to other factors, such as technological advancements or changes in communication, rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Statistical Misinterpretation

Statistical misinterpretation happens when data is incorrectly analyzed or conclusions are drawn without proper context. The statement in the question misinterprets the correlation between cell phones and pirates, leading to an erroneous conclusion that one causes the other, which highlights the importance of critical thinking in statistical analysis.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:53
Parameters vs. Statistics
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In Exercises 9–12, determine whether the sampling method appears to be sound or is flawed.


Nuclear Power Plants In a survey of 1368 subjects, the following question was posted on the USA Today website: “In your view, are nuclear plants safe?” The survey subjects were Internet users who chose to respond to the question posted on the electronic edition of USA Today.

286
views
Textbook Question

In Exercises 21–24, refer to the sample of body temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) in the table below. (The body temperatures are from Data Set 5 in Appendix B.)

[IMAGE]

Conclusion Given the body temperatures in the table, what issue can be addressed by conducting a statistical analysis of the data?

297
views
Textbook Question

In Exercises 37–44, answer the given questions, which are related to percentages.

Marriage Proposals In a survey conducted by TheKnot.com, 1165 engaged or married women were asked about the importance of a bended knee when making a marriage proposal. Among the 1165 respondents, 48% said that the bended knee was essential.


a. What is the exact value that is 48% of 1165 survey respondents?

b. Could the result from part (a) be the actual number of survey subjects who said that a bended knee is essential? Why or why not?

324
views
Textbook Question

In Exercises 29–36, identify what is wrong.

Potatoes In a poll sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, 1000 adults were asked to select their favorite vegetables, and the favorite choice was potatoes, which were selected by 26% of the respondents.

245
views
Textbook Question

In Exercises 21–28, determine which of the four levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) best describes the given data.

Movie Ratings In a college film studies course, students rate ten documentaries using a scale of 0 to 5 stars.

317
views
Textbook Question

In Exercises 21–28, determine whether the study is an experiment or an observational study, and then identify a major problem with the study.

Atkins Weight Loss Program An independent researcher tested the effectiveness of the Atkins weight loss program by randomly selecting 1000 subjects using that program. Each of the subjects was called to report their weight before the diet and after the diet.

374
views