A study found a strong positive correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this observed correlation?

The correct answer to the question "A study found a strong positive correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this observed correlation?" is Option C: A confounding variable, such as warm weather, influences both ice cream sales and drowning incidents..

The other options — A) Eating ice cream directly causes people to drown., B) Drowning incidents directly cause people to buy more ice cream., D) The correlation is purely coincidental and has no underlying cause. — are incorrect for this GMAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: Warm weather increases both ice cream consumption and swimming activity, leading to more drowning incidents. This is a classic example of a confounding variable, not direct causation.