IB Causation vs Correlation

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.

Front

Define correlation.

Back

Correlation is a statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables change together.

Front

Define causation.

Back

Causation is the action of causing something; it indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of another event.

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.

Front

Give an example of correlation that does not imply causation.

Back

Ice cream sales and sunburn incidents increase during summer; both are related to warmer weather but do not cause each other.

Front

What is a common misconception about correlation and causation?

Back

Many people mistakenly believe that correlation implies causation.

Front

What is an example of causation?

Back

If you increase the temperature of water, it will eventually boil; the heat causes the water to change state.

Front

What is a spurious correlation?

Back

A spurious correlation is a relationship between two variables that is caused by a third variable, not by a direct connection.

Front

How can you determine if a relationship is causal?

Back

To determine causality, one must conduct experiments or longitudinal studies that control for other variables.

Front

What is the significance of a best fit line in data analysis?

Back

A best fit line helps to summarize the relationship between two variables and can be used for predictions.