Causation and Correlation
Causation and Correlation
Jennifer
PSY/285
Darren Iwamoto
July 17, 2013
Causation and Correlation
Correlation does not imply causation. According to “statistical Language Correlation and Causation” (Correlation is a statistical measure (expressed as a number) that describes the size and direction of a relationship between two or more variables. A correlation between variables, however, does not automatically mean that the change in one variable is the cause of the change in the values of the other variable.) And (Causation indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of the other event; i.e. there is a causal relationship between the two events. This is also referred to as cause and effect.) Causation and correlation can be difficult to discern from one another because they are so closely related to one another. Wealthy People are thin. Causation or correlation? The statement “Wealthy people are thin” is a correlation. Not all wealthy people are thin however there may be more thin wealthy people versus non wealthy people due to the fact that wealthy people can afford personal trainers, better food, and healthier lifestyles. People with long hair do better on audio memory tests. Causation or correlation? The statement “People with long hair do better on audio memory tests” is in fact a correlation, it is not a very strong correlation but it is indeed one. Ice cream melts when heated. Causation or correlation? The statement “Ice cream melts when heated” is causation. The two variables of ice cream and heat/melt go together therefor it is causation. Students with fewer clothes perform worse on standardized tests. Causation or correlation? The statement “Student with fewer clothes performs worse on standardized tests” is a correlation, and like before it is not a very strong correlation. Money is the root of all evil, or money causes evil. Causation or correlation? The statement “Money is the root of all evil” is a
Jennifer
PSY/285
Darren Iwamoto
July 17, 2013
Causation and Correlation
Correlation does not imply causation. According to “statistical Language Correlation and Causation” (Correlation is a statistical measure (expressed as a number) that describes the size and direction of a relationship between two or more variables. A correlation between variables, however, does not automatically mean that the change in one variable is the cause of the change in the values of the other variable.) And (Causation indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of the other event; i.e. there is a causal relationship between the two events. This is also referred to as cause and effect.) Causation and correlation can be difficult to discern from one another because they are so closely related to one another. Wealthy People are thin. Causation or correlation? The statement “Wealthy people are thin” is a correlation. Not all wealthy people are thin however there may be more thin wealthy people versus non wealthy people due to the fact that wealthy people can afford personal trainers, better food, and healthier lifestyles. People with long hair do better on audio memory tests. Causation or correlation? The statement “People with long hair do better on audio memory tests” is in fact a correlation, it is not a very strong correlation but it is indeed one. Ice cream melts when heated. Causation or correlation? The statement “Ice cream melts when heated” is causation. The two variables of ice cream and heat/melt go together therefor it is causation. Students with fewer clothes perform worse on standardized tests. Causation or correlation? The statement “Student with fewer clothes performs worse on standardized tests” is a correlation, and like before it is not a very strong correlation. Money is the root of all evil, or money causes evil. Causation or correlation? The statement “Money is the root of all evil” is a
References: Statistical Language Correlation and Causation. (). Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/a3121120.nsf/home/statistical+language+-+correlation+and+causation Myers, D. G. (2012). Exploring social psychology (6th ed.). Boston, MA: .