Each of these relationships reflects a correlation. Which relationship most likely reflects correlation but not causation?

Question

When glassblowers create more vases, they heat more glass.
When metalworkers make more iron staircase railings, they produce more iron fences.
When carpenters build more houses, they use more nails.
Submit

Answer 1

The relationship that most likely reflects correlation but not causation is:

When metalworkers make more iron staircase railings, they produce more iron fences.

This relationship could simply be a case where both activities are influenced by external factors, such as an increase in demand for construction or renovation projects, rather than one activity directly causing the other. In contrast, the other two relationships show a direct cause-and-effect relationship within the specific tasks of the trades involved, where creating more of one product necessitates the use of more materials.