Explaining why correlation does not prove causation Revision Card

AI generatedStatisticsKS3 / GCSE

Explaining why correlation does not prove causation.

Plot paired observations as separate crosses. Do not join the points.
A best-fit line follows the overall trend, with points balanced around it.
Predictions are estimates. Extrapolation is less secure, and correlation alone does not establish causation.

Example 1

A study of 40 observations finds positive correlation between ice-cream sales and sunburn cases. Does this prove that one causes the other?

No. A third factor, such as hot, sunny weather, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

A study of 41 observations finds positive correlation between shoe size and reading score. Does this prove that one causes the other?

No. A third factor, such as age in a sample of children, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

Question 1

A study of 42 observations finds positive correlation between umbrella sales and traffic delays. Does this prove that one causes the other?

Check answer

No. A third factor, such as heavy rain, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

Question 2

A study of 43 observations finds positive correlation between ice-cream sales and sunburn cases. Does this prove that one causes the other?

Check answer

No. A third factor, such as hot, sunny weather, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

Question 3

A study of 44 observations finds positive correlation between shoe size and reading score. Does this prove that one causes the other?

Check answer

No. A third factor, such as age in a sample of children, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

Question 4

A study of 45 observations finds positive correlation between umbrella sales and traffic delays. Does this prove that one causes the other?

Check answer

No. A third factor, such as heavy rain, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.

Question 5

A study of 46 observations finds positive correlation between ice-cream sales and sunburn cases. Does this prove that one causes the other?

Check answer

No. A third factor, such as hot, sunny weather, could affect both. Correlation alone does not establish a cause.