Homework Sourse211 A study show that there is a positive correlation betwee
2.11 A study show that there is a positive correlation between the size of a hospital (measured by its number of beds, x) and the median number of days, y, that patients remain in the hospital. Does this mean that you can shorten a hospital stay by choosing a small hospital? Explain your answer.
2.11 A study show that there is a positive correlation between the size of a hospital (measured by its number of beds, x) and the median number of days, y, that patients remain in the hospital. Does this mean that you can shorten a hospital stay by choosing a small hospital? Explain your answer.
2.11 A study show that there is a positive correlation between the size of a hospital (measured by its number of beds, x) and the median number of days, y, that patients remain in the hospital. Does this mean that you can shorten a hospital stay by choosing a small hospital? Explain your answer.
Solution
Correlation does not imply causation. As common sense suggests the size of hospital should negatively relate to median number of days of stay. The reason is that a bigger hospital tends to have a larger number of specialized doctors, and more advanced surgical equipments that are rarely used. But, this correlation is best explained by the fact that in severe situtaions, people tend to prefer a larger hospital, and in light situations, people are fine with a smaller hospital.
