An investigator conducted a study to find the relationship between the number of

Question

An investigator conducted a study to find the relationship between the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) and sugar consumption. The investigator produced an estimate for the correlation coefficient and provided the following statement: “The correlation between DMFT and sugar consumption is 0.7. There is a strong correlation between DMFT and sugar consumption. Therefore, it is recommended that patients be advised to reduce sugar consumption to prevent tooth decay.” State why you are or you are not confident about this investigator’s conclusion. In other words, explain if something is missing from this investigator’s analysis or if all you need is provided?

Explanation / Answer

Correlation doesnt indicate the cause and effect relationship between two variables. It only represents the strength of linear association. It may be the case that DMFT and sugar consumption are having high correlation because of any common this variable.

Further regression analysis and test would be needed to check the significance of correlation and then only we can make any such statement.

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