Causation vs. Correlation

Which of the following statements shows a relationship that is correlated but not causal?

• The amount of rainfall received and level of water in the lake.
• The number of lights left on each day and the amount of the electric bill. 
• The increase of warm, sunny days and the number of ice cream vendors visible. 
• The number of hours worked and how much money is made.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Which of the following statements shows a relationship that is correlated but not causal? 

• The number of tardies to class and the number of detentions received.
• The season of the year and the number of water related injuries/deaths.
• As the temperature rises, more the mercury in a thermometer will expand and rise. 
• The larger the dimensions of a rectangular patio, the more square      footage. 

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.8

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Which of the following statements shows a causal relationship and not just a correlated one? 

• An individual's decision to work in construction and his diagnosis of skin cancer. 
• A decrease in temperature and the increase in attendance at an ice skating rink. 
• As a child's weight increases so does her vocabulary. 
• The number of minutes spent exercising and the amount of calories burned. 

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Which of the following statements represents a negative correlation?

• The temperature and the number of bathing suits worn.
• The amount of calories consumed and a person's weight.
• The amount of bills you have to pay and the amount of money in your account.
• The number of children in a family and the electric bill.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.6

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.8

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Which is an example of NO correlation?

• The age of a child and their shoe size.
• The age of a child and the amount of pets owned.
• The age of a child and their height.
• The age of a child and the amount of vocabulary words learned.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9