Correlation and Causation

Front

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.

Front

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.

Front

What does a strong positive correlation indicate?

Back

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

Front

What does a strong negative correlation indicate?

Back

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

Front

What does no correlation mean?

Back

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

Front

Can correlation imply causation?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of correlation without causation?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of causation?

Back

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

Front

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.

Front

What is a weak negative correlation?

Back

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