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Correlation vs. Causation

This document discusses the differences between correlation and causation in research. It defines correlation as a mutual relationship between two variables, but not necessarily a causal one. Causation implies one variable directly causes the other. The document notes several examples of correlations being incorrectly assumed to indicate causation and outlines key differences between correlational and causal-comparative research methods. Specifically, correlational research analyzes relationships between quantitative variables using techniques like scatter plots and correlation coefficients, while causal-comparative research compares groups that differ on categorical variables. Both aim to identify relationships to explore further with experimental research.

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Cynthia Joffrion
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4K views

Correlation vs. Causation

This document discusses the differences between correlation and causation in research. It defines correlation as a mutual relationship between two variables, but not necessarily a causal one. Causation implies one variable directly causes the other. The document notes several examples of correlations being incorrectly assumed to indicate causation and outlines key differences between correlational and causal-comparative research methods. Specifically, correlational research analyzes relationships between quantitative variables using techniques like scatter plots and correlation coefficients, while causal-comparative research compares groups that differ on categorical variables. Both aim to identify relationships to explore further with experimental research.

Uploaded by

Cynthia Joffrion
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Correlation vs.

Causation
Tutorial
Ed 8113 Summer 2004
Cynthia Joffrion
In this Tutorial you will learn:
• To distinguish the difference between the concepts
of correlation and causation.
• Attributes of Correlation and Causal research.
Definitions
• The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines correlation as
“mutual relation between two or more things” and
causation as “causing or producing an effect”.
• If two variables are highly correlated it does not
necessarily mean that one causes the other. To
simply say that a correlation exists does not imply
causation.
Correlation is different from causation…
• Correlation is when two or more things or events
tend to occur at about the same time and might be
associated with each other, but aren't necessarily
connected by a cause/effect relationship. For
example, sick people tend to have a runny nose and
a sore throat. These two variables correlate to each
other in that they tend to show up in the same
patients. That doesn't mean runny noses cause sore
throats, or that sore throats cause runny noses
Confusion between Correlation
and Causation.
• There are many examples of correlation that are
incorrectly interpreted as causation.
• Bathing suit color and the number of shark attacks on
swimmers are corrlated.
• The number of siblings in elementary school children and
vocabluary size have a strong positive correlation
Quick Quiz
• Click on the example of a correlation that is not
incorrectly interpreted as causation.

• Skirt lengths and stock prices are both controlled by the gener
al attitude of the county.
• The number of cavities and children’s vocabulary are both rela
ted to a child’s age.
• Children raised by single parents do less well at school.
• None of the above
Correlation Research Attributes
• What is correlation Research?
• In correlation research, researchers investigate possible
relationships among variables without trying to influence
those variables. Although correlation studies cannot
determine the causes of relationships, they can suggest
them.
• What is the purpose of Correlation Research?
• Correlation research is carried out for one of two basic
purposes-either to help explain important human behaviors
or to predict likely outcomes.
Causal-Comparative Research Attributes
• What is Causal-Comparative research?
• In Causal-Comparative research allows researchers to
investigate the possibility of a causal relationship among
variables that cannot, as in experimental research, be
manipulated. Two groups that are different on a particular
variable are compared on another variable.
• What is the purpose of Causal-Comparative
research?
• In Causal-Comparative research, investigators attempt to
determine the cause or consequences of differences that
already exist between or among groups of individuals.
Similarities Between Causal-Comparative and
Correlation Research.
• Both causal-comparative and correlation studies are
examples of associational research. Researchers who
conduct both studies seek to explore relationships
among variables.
• Both seek to identify variables that are worthy of
later exploration through experimental research, and
both often provide guidance for subsequent
experimental studies.
Differences Between Causal-Comparative and
Correlation Research.
• Causal-comparative studies typically compare two or
more groups of subjects, while correlational studies
require a score on each variable for each subject.
• Correlational studies investigate two (or more)
quantitative variables, whereas causal-comparative
studies involve at least one categorical variable.
• Correlational studies analyze data using scatter plots
and/or correlation coefficients, while causal-
comparative studies compare averages or use cross
break tables.
Differences Between Causal-Comparative and
Correlation Research.
• In experimental research, the independent variable
is manipulated; in causal comparative research, no
manipulation takes places
Quick Quiz
• Please select the statement that is false
• Both causal-comparative and correlation studies are
examples of associational research
• Causal-comparative studies typically compare two or more
groups of subjects, while correlational studies require a
score on each variable for each subject
• In experimental research, the independent variable is not
manipulated; in causal comparative research, manipulation
takes places
Correct !

Return
Incorrect Please try again!

Return
Incorrect Please try again!

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Good job, correct !

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The End
References
Fraenkel, J.R. & Wallen, N. E. (1996). How to design and evaluate
research in education. Mcgraw-Hill, Inc.
Gall, M.D., Gall, J.P. & Walter, R, B. (2003). Educational research:
An introduction. Pearson Education, Inc.
Kerlinger, F. N. (1979). Behavioral research: A conceptual
approach.
National Center of Education Statistics. (2003). Handbook of
survey methods: Technical Report. Retrieved from
http://www.nces.ed.gov
Picciano, A. (2004). Edstats primer. Retrieved July 20, 2003
from http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/edu/apiccian/edstat06.html

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