Chapter 13: Problem 6

Cattell finds that low ego strength is characteristic of people who are frequently unemployed. Does this mean that low ego strength causes unemployment?

Short Answer

Expert verified

No, the statement that low ego strength is characteristic of people who are frequently unemployed does not necessarily mean that low ego strength causes unemployment. Correlation does not imply causation.

Step by step solution

Understanding Correlation

Correlation is a statistical measure that shows the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate together. In this instance, the variables are 'low ego strength' and 'unemployment'. If there is a correlation, it means that these two tend to be observed together.

Understanding Causation

Causation, on the other hand, indicates that an action or event (an increase or decrease in ego strength) will produce a certain response (employment or unemployment). In order to determine causation, one would need to have a study where low ego strength is manipulated in a controlled manner, and changes in employment status are observed.

Analyzing the Statement

So, while Cattell finds a correlation between low ego strength and frequent unemployment, this does not imply causation. There could be other factors involved that influence both low ego strength and unemployment. To determine if low ego strength causes unemployment would require additional research design.

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Cattell finds that low ego strength is characteristic of people who are frequently unemployed. Does this mean that low ego strength causes unemployment?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Correlation

Understanding Causation

Analyzing the Statement

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