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 causation.

Back

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

Front

Define correlation.

Back

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

Front

What is a lurking variable?

Back

A lurking variable is an unobserved variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to a false correlation.

Front

Example of causation: What happens when you increase the temperature of water?

Back

Increasing the temperature of water causes it to boil.

Front

Example of correlation: What happens to ice cream sales and temperature?

Back

Ice cream sales increase as temperature rises, showing a positive correlation.

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 there is no discernible relationship between the two variables.

Front

Identify an example of a lurking variable in a study about exercise and weight loss.

Back

Diet can be a lurking variable affecting the relationship between exercise and weight loss.