📊 GMAT Exam Prep

A study observes a strong positive correlation between the number of hours individuals spend exercising outdoors and their overall happiness levels. Which of the following is the most appropriate conclusion to draw from this observation?

A Exercising outdoors directly causes an increase in happiness.
B Increased happiness causes individuals to exercise more outdoors.
C A third, unobserved factor, such as good weather or general health, likely influences both exercise and happiness.
D The observed correlation is purely coincidental and has no underlying relationship.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Correlation does not imply causation. A strong positive correlation often indicates that a third variable (e.g., favorable weather, better overall health, or discretionary time) is influencing both phenomena independently, leading to their co-occurrence.

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