STAT 3001 – Week 3 Discussion – Analyzing Correlation and Causation
Can you recall the television commercials of the “Crash Dummies” in simulated vehicle accidents? Did watching those commercials change your perspective on wearing a seatbelt while driving? I certainly know that it did mine. This discussion question allows me to focus on a topic that I, as a Paramedic, often encounter, the relationship between seat belt usage concerning injuries that occur during automobile accidents. The question raised isn’t “Will I get in a wreck today?” but rather, “If I don’t wear my seatbelt, will I be injured if I get in a wreck today?”
According to Bennet, “a correlation exists between two variables when higher values of one variable consistently go with higher values of another variable or when higher values of one variable consistently go with lower values of another variable.” (Bennett 2009, 286). Identification of the correlation between seatbelt use and injuries sustained first requires the observer to develop a study demonstrating the number of participants who received injuries from not wearing seatbelts from those participants who elected to wear seatbelts. Variables in the projected study would be the type, speed, and location of the victim inside the vehicle. To discover a correlation between seatbelt use and injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes, the data must reflect a group of participants that both used seatbelts and those who did not use seatbelts and the type of injuries suffered by both study groups. Other additional variables that could impact the results of the study could be the make or model of the vehicle, additional safety features such as airbag deployment, and the use of lap belt versus lap belt in conjunction with a shoulder harness. This example would explore the correlation between the two study groups to reveal data to support the use of seatbelts. The conclusion would indicate a positive correlation that suggests that the use of safety restraint devices increases the number of injuries sustained in automobile crashes. No one desires to be a crash dummy for data; however, these events will occur due to our daily life, so let’s take advantage of the data.
Reference:
Bennett, J. O., Briggs, W. L., & Triola, M. F. (2009). Statistical reasoning for everyday life (3rd ed.). Boston: Addison-Wesley.
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Question 
STAT 3001 – Week 3 Discussion – Analyzing Correlation and Causation
Post by Day 3 a 1- to 2-paragraph write-up including the following: Describe a correlation in your daily life.
Using scientific methods, explain how you determined whether one variable causes the other to occur.
In the example you chose, describe what factors you need to be aware of when trying to establish a causal relationship.