A relationship of dependency between two variables in the scope of statistics is termed as linear correlation. When the response of one variable is dependent upon how the second variable is treated then it is safe to assume they are correlated. As given the heart rate and smoking are said to be linearly correlated. This point suggests that the number of cigarettes smoked would either increase or decrease an individual’s pulse.
The hypothesis in the question states that as a person smokes more cigarettes his/her pulse rate is likely to increase alongside. However, the conclusion only suggests that cigarettes cause pulse rate to increase. A clear distinction as to what actually causes pulse rate to increase cannot be devised from the mentioned conclusion. The hypothesis and conclusion are not in symmetry which can give a false image about the study. It is essential for the conclusion to be in accordance with what the hypothesis claims either rejecting or accepting it. But if the conclusion talks of a different aspect then the study cannot be taken as authentic. (Results Filters)
The pulse rate of a smoker is likely to slow down as a result of smoking. Smoking weakens the lungs ability to carry out its core activity efficiently. As the lung release oxygen at a slower rate; therefore, the heart pumps blood at a slower rate as well. Hence, the conclusion that smoking cigarettes causes heart rate to increase is flawed. People who smoke cigarettes may run out of breath as a result of exercise or any other tiring activity, and this can cause heart rate to increase. Hence, the conclusion can be altered by suggesting that changes in heart rates of smokers would be dependent upon what kind of activity they are performing.
Works Cited
"Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23685653>.
