Algebra 1 · Exponential Functions & Data
Correlation vs Causation
Algebra 1 · Exponential Functions & Data
Definition
Correlation means two variables are related; causation means one causes the other, and correlation alone does not prove causation.
Examples
- Ice cream sales and drownings both rise in summer but neither causes the other.
- A related pattern does not prove a cause.
Key rule
A correlation does not prove one thing causes another.
Memory hook
Related is not the same as responsible.