MathIsimple
Back to 9th Grade Math
Correlation & Causation

Correlation & Causation

Learn to identify relationships between variables and understand when correlation implies causation versus when it doesn't.

🎮 Interactive Activity: Correlation Detector

Identify the type of correlation and whether it represents causation!

Scenario:

As ice cream sales increase, so do shark attacks
🎮 Interactive Activity: Scatter Plot Interpreter

Interpret scatter plots to identify the type of correlation!

Relationship:

Hours of study vs. Test scores
Points trend upward ↗
Introduction to Correlation and Causation

Understanding the difference between correlation and causation is crucial for interpreting data and making informed decisions. Correlation shows that two variables are related, but it doesn't tell us why or how.

Key Concepts:

  • Correlation: A statistical relationship between two variables
  • Causation: A direct cause-and-effect relationship where one variable causes changes in another
  • Confounding Variable: A third variable that affects both variables being studied
  • Spurious Correlation: A relationship that appears real but is actually coincidental

Important Principle:

Correlation does not imply causation! Just because two variables are related doesn't mean one causes the other. Always consider other factors that might explain the relationship.

Example:

Correlation: Ice cream sales and shark attacks are correlated (both increase in summer).
Causation: Ice cream sales do NOT cause shark attacks. Instead, warm weather (a confounding variable) causes both to increase.

Understanding Correlation
Understanding Causation
Types of Relationships
Scatter Plots and Correlation
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice QuizQuestion 1 of 10
What does it mean when two variables have a positive correlation?