MLS-C01 Exploratory Data Analysis Practice Question
A data analyst is examining a scatter plot of two variables and notices a strong positive correlation. Which of the following is a valid conclusion?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The two variables are related, but causation cannot be inferred
A strong positive correlation indicates that the two variables are related, but correlation alone does not imply causation. Option A is incorrect because correlation does not necessarily imply a linear relationship; it could be non-linear or monotonic. Option B is incorrect because correlation does not imply causation. Option D is incorrect because correlation does not guarantee accurate prediction; prediction requires a well-fitted model and additional validation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The relationship is linear
Why it's wrong here
Correlation measures linear relationship, but a strong correlation could be non-linear.
- ✗
One variable causes the other
Why it's wrong here
Correlation does not imply causation.
- ✓
The two variables are related, but causation cannot be inferred
Why this is correct
Correlation does not imply causation.
- ✗
The relationship can be used to accurately predict one variable from the other
Why it's wrong here
Correlation does not guarantee accurate prediction.
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