Relationships Among Ratio Variables with Common Components: Fact or Artifact

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

This paper examines relationships among ratio variables with common components. Simulation experiments are reported in which data samples with known relationships between ratios are analyzed. Observed ratio correlations are then compared to the known relationships. The simulation findings tentatively suggest the absence of bias or spurious correlation. The sharp contrast between our findings and the results of simulation experiments carried out by ratio variable critics is examined. Finally, based on a more general mathematical argument, ratio correlations with common components are shown to be a valid form of analysis.