Here's an almost laughable example of "correlation is not causation" that some might find a good example for class. (Well, aren't they almost always laughable??) It's about a study that found that children who eat lots of candy are more likely to be arrested for violent behavior as adults. In all fairness, one researcher did try to encourage people to dig a little deeper:
"Previous studies have found better nutrition leads to better behavior, in both children and adults. Moore said his results were not strong enough to recommend parents stop giving their children candies and chocolates. "This is an incredibly complex area," he said. "It's not fair to blame it on the candy." " But in my morning newspaper, neither that conclusion was posted, nor was the journal cited. Only the term "British researchers" was used. Here's the story: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/01/crimesider/entry5355367.shtml Beth Benoit Granite State College Plymouth State University New Hampshire --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
