Here are some possible correlations and the nonsense headlines a confused journalist might report as a result. In reality, the correlations have absolutely no causal relationship; they come about because both of them are related to another variable that’s lurking in the background.
Can you think of another variable for each situation that might be the actual cause of the correlation and explain why the headlines the paper ran based on the correlations are nonsense?
1 Correlation: For a certain psychology test, the amount of time a student studied was negatively correlated with their score!
Headline: "Students who study less do better!"
2 Correlation: Weekly data gathered at a popular beach throughout the year showed a positive correlation between sunburns and shark attacks.
Headline: "Sunburns Attract Shark Attacks!"
3 Correlation: A negative correlation was found between rain and ski accidents.
Headline: "Be Safe - Ski in the Rain!"
4 Correlation: Medical records show a positive correlation between Tylenol use and Death Rates.
Headline: "Tylenol use increases likelihood of dying!"
5 Correlation: A positive correlation was found between hot cocoa sales and snow ball fights.
Headline: "Beware: Hot Cocoa Drinking encourages Snow Throwing!"
These materials were developed partly through support of the National Science Foundation, (awards 1042210, 1535276, 1648684, 1738598, 2031479, and 1501927). 
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