6-1 Discussion: Applications of Correlation

Choose one of the following two prompts to respond to. In your two follow up posts, respond at least once to each prompt option. Use the discussion topic as a place to ask questions, speculate about answers, and share insights. Be sure to embed and cite your references for any supporting images.

Perform the following analysis by analyzing a possible linear relation between two variables.

Option 1:

Using the data set provided from the NOAA for Manchester, NH, select any month between January 1930 and December 1958. Use the variables “MMXT” and “MMNT” for your analysis. Begin with your chosen month and analyze the next 61 data values (i.e. 5 years and 1 month) to determine if a relationship exists between the maximum temperature (MMXT) and the minimum temperature (MMNT).

Using Excel, StatCrunch, etc. create a scatter plot for your sample. Determine the
linear regression equation and correlation coefficient. Embed this scatter plot in your
initial post.

For your responses to your classmates (two responses required): Discuss the relationships between the scatter plot, the correlation coefficient, and the linear regression equation for the sample. Comment on the similarities and differences between your correlation and linear regression equation and that of your classmates. Why are there differences since you are drawing from the same population? Did you expect the differences will be large? Why or why not?

Option 2:

Write a mathematical scenario to describe each of the scatter plots.

Answer prompts made by fellow students with the following information:

Discuss an alternative scenario to represent the data in the scatter plots. In this scenario, assume there is correlation but where it would be inappropriate to conclude causation.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document.

WEEK 6 DISCUSSION BOARD PROMPTS

For the discussion boards, two options are given for you to choose from for your initial post. In your response posts, you are required to respond at least once to each option.

This week you should have a minimum of three posts in total:

1. Your initial post to either Option One or Option Two
2. A response to one of your peers’ responses to Option One
3. A response to one of your peers’ responses to Option Two

In your title for your discussion post, please clearly include which option you are answering by typing “Option One: [your title]” or “Option Two: [your title].”

Please watch the following video for additional help and direction with these posts:

Notes on Discussion Board 6

OPTION ONE NOTES:

• You should embed your scatterplot in your initial post.
• You must show your regression equation and correlation coefficient.
• Be sure to determine if a relationship exists between the minimum temperature (MMNT) and the maximum temperature (MMXT) for your sample of 61 data values.
• Discuss why both X causing Y and Y causing X cannot be concluded from a correlation or scatter plot.

OPTION TWO NOTES:

• You should provide a detailed scenario for BOTH of the scatterplots.
• You must use proper mathematical notation and language.
• Discuss why both X causing Y and Y causing X cannot be concluded from a correlation or scatter plot.

FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE NOTES:

• Option 1 Response: Be sure to answer all questions posed:
  • Discuss the relationships between the scatter plot, the correlation coefficient, and the linear regression equation for the sample.
  • Comment on the similarities and differences between your correlation and linear regression equation and that of your classmates.
  • Why are there differences since you are drawing from the same population?
  • Did you expect the differences will be large? Why or why not?
• Option 2 Response: Be sure to answer all questions posed:
  • Discuss an alternative scenario to represent the data in the scatter plots. In this scenario, assume there is correlation but where it would be inappropriate to conclude causation.

USING MYSTATLAB

Additionally, I wanted to remind everyone know that it is possible to get 100% of the points on every homework this semester. MyStatLab has the options of “Similar Question” when you have completed a problem, which enables you to re-do the problem to score all the points available to you.

For example, suppose question 1 has parts A, B, and C. You correctly answer parts A and B, but incorrectly answer part C. Therefore, for your overall score for this problem, you get partial credit and not the full amount of points. If you select “Similar Question” (located on the bottom right-hand side of the screen in MyStatLab), the program gives you a problem very similar to the one you just solved and allows you to complete the problem again in order to score all the points.

Please do not need the answer to the problem right away but can send answer separate to me. I then will need 2 responses done on classmates. So far no one has posted any initial responses yet. I will include them once they get posted. It they are posted after the my initial post is post I will extend the time so they can get done.