Think Better · 45 sec
Correlation does not imply causation
A compact thinking tool for spotting patterns and avoiding mistakes.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
The phrase "correlation does not imply causation" refers to the inability to legitimately deduce a cause-and-effect relationship between two events or variables solely on the basis of an observed
- How it works
association or correlation between them.
- Why it matters
The idea that "correlation implies causation" is an example of a questionable-cause logical fallacy, in which two events occurring together are taken to have established a cause-and-effect relationship.
Why this matters
Use Correlation does not imply causation as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.
Try this
Use Correlation does not imply causation as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Correlation does not imply causation?
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
- Why it matters
The phrase "correlation does not imply causation" refers to the inability to legitimately deduce a cause-and-effect relationship between two events or variables solely on the basis of an observed