Unit 4 - Activity 5 - Cause and Effect Relationships Worksheet Cause - and - Effect Relationship: A change in x produces a change in y.~ Example: Common Cause Factor: An external variable causes two variables to change in the same way.~ Example: Reverse Cause - and - Effect Relationship: The dependent and independent variables are reversed in the process of establishing causality.~ Example: Accidental Relationship: A correlation exists without any causal relationship between variables. ~ Example: Presumed Relationship: A correlation does not seem to be accidental even through no cause - and - effect relationship or common-cause factor is apparent. Example: Example 1 Identify the most likely type of causal relationship between each of the following pairs of variables. Assume that a strong positive correlation has been observed with the first variable as the independent variable.~ a) Time spent practicing free-throws, free-throw scoring percent., b) Aptitude for physics, aptitude for chemistry c) Amount of traffic congestion, number of accidents d) Price of milk, crime rated Example 2 For each pair of variables, identify a possible common- cause factor that could account for a positive linear correlation.~ a) Ice cream sales, corn harveste b) Number of traffic accidents, number of traffic violations c) Confidence level facing a final exam, final exam scored d) Endurance on the tennis court, tennis skill