Identify the variables in each situation and determine whether it describes a positive or negative correlation. Complete the explanation to explain whether the correlation is a result of causation. Researchers at an auto insurance company are studying the ages of its policyholders and the number of accidents per 100 policyholders. The researchers compared each year of age from 16 to 65. After analyzing the data, the researchers found that as age increases, the number of accidents per 100 policyholders decreases.

The variable(s)
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.

The
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age corresponds to a
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number of accidents per 100 policyholders, so there is a
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correlation. Causation is
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. It is possible that the age of the driver causes safer driving and therefore fewer accidents because of experience and maturity. However, it is also possible that both the age group and accident rate depend on another variable such as the likelihood of living in the city or the likelihood of driving a car with antilock brakes or other advanced safety features.