Correlation and Causation

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What is correlation?

Back

Correlation is a statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables change together. It can be positive, negative, or zero.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

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What is causation?

Back

Causation indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of another event. It implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

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CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

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What does a strong positive correlation indicate?

Back

A strong positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

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What does a strong negative correlation indicate?

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A strong negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

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What does no correlation mean?

Back

No correlation means that there is no predictable relationship between the two variables.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

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Can correlation imply causation?

Back

No, correlation does not imply causation. Just because two variables are correlated does not mean one causes the other.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

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What is an example of correlation without causation?

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Ice cream sales increase as temperature increases; both may rise together, but one does not cause the other.

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CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

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What is an example of causation?

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If it rains, the ground gets wet; rain causes the ground to be wet.

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What is a weak positive correlation?

Back

A weak positive correlation indicates a slight tendency for one variable to increase as the other increases, but the relationship is not strong.

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CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1B

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What is a weak negative correlation?

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A weak negative correlation indicates a slight tendency for one variable to decrease as the other increases, but the relationship is not strong.

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CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1B