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Hey! Does anyone know the difference between correlation and causation? Thanks for your help!

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Correlation is when the measurements of two different phenomena change in parallel or in some other systematic way. That doesn't mean that one of them causes the other (makes the other happen). That would be causation.

Sometimes measurements are correlated because some third thing causes both, even though neither one causes the other.

For example, the state of water is correlated with measurements of temperature. Higher temperatures are associated with (correlate with) liquid water. Lower temperatures are associated with (correlated with) solid water (ice). But thermometer readings do not cause water to freeze. It is the heat content of the surroundings that cause both things: The lack of heat causes the thermometer to register a lower temperature as well as causing the water to freeze to ice.

For another example, the presence of certain mosquitoes is correlated with malaria. In some areas, the more mosquitoes there are, the more malaria there is within the population that lives there. Nevertheless, the mosquitoes don't cause malaria. It is the disease-generating organism that they carry that causes malaria. If that organism were eliminated, there could be any number of mosquitoes, but no malaria would occur. The relationship of density of mosquitoes to number of malaria cases is one of correlation, not causation.

CJ

Mister Micawber · Answer

Causation is one kind of correlation in general terms, but I have a feeling that you are speaking of special uses of these words.  A bit of context would be appreciated when posting about word or phrase meanings.

Anny2009 · Answer

I see, thanks a lot!

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