Correlation_MAT 300 Statistics_Discussion 9

Correlation is the mutual connection or relationship between two or more things. For instance, in
a research, a research can show that there is a clear correlation between levels of property crime
and recession. On the contrary, caus ation is the action of causing something. Therefore, the
statement, "Correlation means Causation” is false. A correlation between variables does not
imply that the change in a particular variable is what causes change in the values of other
variables. Causation shows that one event is due to the occurrence of another event which means
that there is a causal relationship between the two events (Australian Bureau of Statistics). A
correlation is significant in describing the direction and size of a connection between two or
more variables. Correlation and causation can be easily distinguished theoretically. An
occurrence or action can cause another. For example, smoking can cause increase in the
likelihood of developing lung cancer, or it can correlate with alcoholism. This aspect means that
smoking can be correlated with alcoholism, but it doesn’t cause alcoholism. A correlation of two
things does not mean that one causes the other.

Reference

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Statistical Language - Correlation and Causation. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/a3121120.nsf/home/statistical+language+-
+correlation+and+causation