Statistics

Study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

Types of DataCollecting DataDescribing Data: Charts and Summaries
Probability and RandomnessStatistical InferenceCorrelation and Causation
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Types of DataCollecting DataDescribing Data: Cha...Probability and Rand...Statistical Inferenc...Correlation and Caus...Sports and Performan...Health and MedicineBusiness and Marketi...Breaking Down Proble...Checking Your Work
Advanced Topics

Correlation and Causation

Understanding Relationships

Sometimes data sets move together, but does one cause the other? That's where correlation and causation come in!

Correlation

Correlation measures how closely two variables move together. It can be:

  • Positive: Both increase together.
  • Negative: One increases as the other decreases.
  • None: No relationship.

Causation

Causation means one event actually causes the other to happen—a much stronger claim!

Why It Matters

Just because two things are linked (correlation) doesn't mean one causes the other (causation). Misunderstanding this can lead to funny or even dangerous mistakes!

Examples in Real Life

  • Ice cream sales and sunburns both go up in summer (correlation), but eating ice cream doesn't cause sunburn!
  • Studying more usually leads to better test scores (causation).

Examples

  • Finding that students who sleep more tend to get higher grades (correlation).

  • Vaccination leading to lower disease rates (causation).

In a Nutshell

Correlation shows relationships; causation means one thing actually makes another happen.

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