Correlation vs. Causation

Front

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Back

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation implies that one variable directly affects the other.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Front

What is an example of causation?

Back

An insect ate poison and it died.

Front

What is an example of correlation?

Back

When ice cream sales increase, incidents of sunburn increase.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What does it mean if two variables are correlated?

Back

It means that there is a statistical association between the two variables, but it does not imply that one causes the other.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What is a common misconception about correlation?

Back

Many people mistakenly believe that correlation implies causation.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What is an example of causation in everyday life?

Back

It started raining and the baseball game was delayed.

Front

How can you determine if a relationship is causal?

Back

You can conduct experiments or look for evidence that one variable directly influences the other.

Front

What is a spurious correlation?

Back

A spurious correlation is a relationship between two variables that is caused by a third variable, rather than a direct connection.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What is the significance of understanding correlation vs. causation in research?

Back

Understanding the difference helps researchers avoid incorrect conclusions about the relationships between variables.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9

Front

What is an example of a spurious correlation?

Back

The increase in ice cream sales and the increase in drowning incidents during summer months.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.C.9