Correlation means that __.
(a) one variable causes another
(b) two variables are related
(c) two variables actually mean the same thing, e.g., socio-economic status and household income
(d) one variable cannot exist without the other
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
(b) two variables are related
Explanation:
Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two variables, indicating how they change together. However, it does not imply causation—meaning that just because two variables move together, it does not mean that one causes the other.
For example, if ice cream sales and drowning incidents both increase during the summer, these two variables are correlated. However, eating ice cream does not cause drowning. Instead, a third factor—hot weather—influences both.
Types of Correlation
- Positive Correlation: When one variable increases, the other also increases. Example: More study hours lead to higher exam scores.
- Negative Correlation: When one variable increases, the other decreases. Example: More exercise leads to lower body fat.
- Zero Correlation: No relationship exists between the variables. Example: Hair color and intelligence.
Why Correlation Does Not Mean Causation
Many studies show correlations, but proving causation requires additional evidence, such as controlled experiments. Confounding variables, external factors, or coincidences can create misleading correlations.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
- (a) One variable causes another – This describes causation, not correlation. Correlation does not establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- (c) Two variables actually mean the same thing – Related variables may measure similar concepts (e.g., household income and socioeconomic status), but they are not identical.
- (d) One variable cannot exist without the other – This is dependency, not correlation. Two correlated variables can exist independently.
Thus, correlation simply means that two variables are related in some way but does not confirm why they are related.
