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Biology Causation and correlation past paper question

Q4 B
https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Biology/A-level/Past-Papers/Edexcel-IAL/Unit-5/June%202014%20(IAL)%20QP%20-%20Unit%205%20Edexcel%20Biology%20A-level.pdf
Here's a link to the mark scheme:
https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Biology/A-level/Past-Papers/Edexcel-IAL/Unit-5/June%202014%20(IAL)%20MS%20-%20Unit%205%20Edexcel%20Biology%20A-level.pdf

I don't understand how marking points 4 and 5 don't contradict each other.
I thought that because these factors can't and weren't controlled we can't say that the relationship us causal
Shouldn't it just be correlation ?
I think you are absolutely right in that age, genes, obesity etc are confounding factors, which were not controlled in the experiment (OR at least there was no info given in the Q regarding this). Therefore, the conclusions reached have to be reserved by this limitation in the study.

I would make 3 points here:
A) At A level, keep it simple - say the obvious - don't look too deep into the Q; that can come later when you attend uni.
B) JUST ANSWER THE Q - keep your answers RELEVANT - The Q is about "the relationship between NIDDM and exercise" i.e. what is related or NOT related AND what else could have created a false impression of this relationship NOT whether the relationship is causal or correlational.
C) Remember the teachers at your school are either evil OR stupid (sorry! :biggrin:)- they have selected Edexcel - a fact of life that you cannot change.

Keep working hard as you are doing - success will come!
M
Reply 2
Avatar for Leah.J
Leah.J
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Aw that is nice, thank you.

I saw a question posted by another member on phytochromes, would you mind answering it ?

Here's a link:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=82531180&highlight=
Original post by Leah.J
Aw that is nice, thank you.

I saw a question posted by another member on phytochromes, would you mind answering it ?

Here's a link:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=82531180&highlight=

Hi my pleasure!
Can I look at this Q t-rrow? - my legs are killing me rn - you will know the old proverb: "People in glass houses should not throw stones" - in my case: "People with broken legs should not play hockey!"

OK promise I will try and answer this Q soon cos: "pain is in the mind!" - :eek:!

M

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