Causation vs. Correlation

Front

What is the definition of correlation?

Back

Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables, where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable, but without implying causation.

Front

What is the definition of causation?

Back

Causation means that one variable has a direct effect on another variable, indicating that changes in one variable will directly result in changes in the other.

Front

Which situation best represents correlation?

Back

Increasing your level of education has been shown to increase your lifelong earnings.

Front

Which situation shows a causal relationship?

Back

The number of minutes spent exercising and the amount of calories burned.

Front

What is an example of no correlation?

Back

The age of a child and the amount of pets owned.

Front

What is an example of a correlated relationship that is not causal?

Back

The season of the year and the number of water-related injuries/deaths.

Front

What does it mean when two variables are positively correlated?

Back

It means that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase.

Front

What does it mean when two variables are negatively correlated?

Back

It means that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.

Front

What is a common misconception about correlation?

Back

A common misconception is that correlation implies causation, meaning that just because two variables are correlated, it does not mean that one causes the other.

Front

What is an example of a spurious correlation?

Back

The increase in ice cream sales correlating with an increase in drowning incidents, where both are influenced by a third variable: warm weather.