Lesson 5.6: Correlation vs Causation
πΉ 1) Correlation
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Definition: A statistical measure that shows how strongly two variables move together.
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Range: Correlation coefficient (rr) lies between -1 and +1.
β Types:
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r=+1r = +1 β Perfect Positive Correlation (both increase together).
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r=β1r = -1 β Perfect Negative Correlation (one increases, other decreases).
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r=0r = 0 β No correlation.
Example:
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Height and weight β Positive correlation.
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Speed of car and travel time β Negative correlation.
πΉ 2) Causation
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Definition: When one variable directly affects another.
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Example: Increasing temperature causes ice to melt.
πΉ 3) Difference Between Correlation & Causation
| Aspect | Correlation | Causation |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Shows association | Shows cause-effect relationship |
| Proof | Does not prove one causes another | Proves one variable impacts another |
| Example | Ice cream sales β with temperature β | Temperature β causes ice cream sales β |
β οΈ Important Note:
Correlation β Causation
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Just because two variables move together doesnβt mean one causes the other.
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Example: Number of people swimming and sunburn cases β Correlated (both increase in summer), but swimming does not cause sunburn.
β Quick Recap:
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Correlation β Measures relationship strength.
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Causation β One variable actually affects the other.
