Understanding Correlation vs Causation

What does a correlation between two variables imply?

• There is a direct link that can't be explained by other factors

• Both variables are unrelated

• One variable causes changes in the other

• There is an association, but it doesn't imply causation

What common factor might explain the correlation between wearing shorts and ice cream sales?

• People enjoy ice cream more when they wear shorts

• Warm weather

• Shorts are more comfortable while eating ice cream

• Ice cream sales cause warmer weather

How did the message about the brain tumour study change from the paper to the press?

• It remained consistent throughout

• It shifted from discussing socioeconomic status to education

• It accurately reflected the study's findings

• It focused more on the methodology of the study

What was the incorrect implication made by the Daily Mirror's headline about the brain tumour study?

• Going to university increases brain tumour risk

• University education prevents brain tumours

• The study focused solely on university students

• Brain tumours are less common in educated individuals

Why might richer people have a higher diagnosis rate of brain tumours?

• They have a higher genetic predisposition

• They are more stressed

• They are more educated about health

• They have better access to healthcare

What is necessary to confidently conclude causation?

• A press release

• An experiment

• An observational study

• A strong correlation

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

Why can't causation be concluded from most studies?

• They don't include enough data

• They are only observational

• They are not peer-reviewed

• They always prove correlation

What phrase might you use if you can only conclude correlation?

• Increases likelihood

• Is associated with

• Causes

• Reduces risk

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NGSS.HS-LS2-2

Which phrase suggests a confident claim about causation?

• May reduce

• Linked to

• Boosts

• Is associated with

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NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What mistake did the newspaper make in reporting the brain tumour study?

• It focused on the methodology rather than the results

• It omitted important details from the study

• It confused correlation with causation

• It accurately reported the study's findings