Hi No, this is a common error. Even in the presence of a causal relationship between X and Y, the relationship can be masked by some other factor Z because of Z's relationship to X and Y. For example, the positive correlation between amount of studying (X) and school performance (Y) is masked in part or fully by the fact that studying (sometimes) correlates negatively with intelligence (Z), which in turn is positively correlated with grades. Thus, the indirect path X -> Z -> Y adds a negative element (negative times positive = negative) to the positive X -> Y path. Multiple regression will reveal the "true" relationship (unless of course there are other hidden variables producing the "revealed" relationships.
Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax j.cl...@uwinnipeg.ca >>> "michael sylvester" <msylves...@copper.net> 04-Jun-10 9:16:31 PM >>> Just as I can remember that just because something is reliable is no indication that is valid,nowever if something is valid ,it must be reliable; so can I also conclude that correlation does not imply causation,but causaeion definitely implies correlation? In a theoretical psychology state of mind, Michael "omnocentric" Sylvester,PhD Daytona Beach,Florida --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: j.cl...@uwinnipeg.ca. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13251.645f86b5cec4da0a56ffea7a891720c9&n=T&l=tips&o=2895 or send a blank email to leave-2895-13251.645f86b5cec4da0a56ffea7a89172...@fsulist.frostburg.edu --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: arch...@jab.org. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=2911 or send a blank email to leave-2911-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
