The goal of this discussion is to recognize that an observed association between two variables need not be due to a cause-and-effect relationship between the two variables.
A job-training program is being reviewed. Advocates claim that because the unemployment rate in the manufacturing region the program took place in was 9% when the program began and 5% four years later, the program was effective.
In your initial replies, please do the following:
Provide one suggestion for what other factor might explain this outcome even if the program had no effect.
Explain why it may have led to this outcome.