Correlation and Causation: Meaning, Comparison
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Can you give me an example of a misleading correlation and an example of a meaningful correlation? Then explain the relationship between correlation and causation.
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Solution Summary
The solution provides information, assistance and advise on the topic of correlation and causation. Examples are provided to define, describe and show what a misleading correlation is as well as what a meaningful correlation is. The relationship between correlation and causation is also discussed. Resources are listed for further exploration of the topic.
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Dear Student,
Hi and thank you for using Brainmass. The solution below should get you started. Having reviewed this particular problem, I have gone through the problem and I believe that what you are asking for in this particular problem is help in distinguishing a misleading correlation from a meaningful correlation. The idea is to explore what each is all about and to explain in a manner that is clear and can be understood. First, let us utilise an outline. I suggest thus:
1. Correlation - what is it about? 100 words.
2. On misleading correlation - what is about? 100 words.
3. An example of misleading correlation - 100 words.
4. On meaningful correlation - 100 words.
5. Example of meaningful correlation - 100 words.
6. On Causation - 100 words.
7. Relationship between correlation and causation - 100 words.
Above, as you can see, we can achieve around 700 words; a small essay that can comprehensively explore the topic. Using this, we can cover the entire necessary topic in question. You can also utilize the listed resources to further explore the topic.
Sincerely,
AE 105878/Xenia Jones
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On Correlation
What is correlation? When we say correlation, we refer to a statistical tool, a way of relating elements, to explain how pairs of variables are strongly (or weakly) related. Thus, it can also be said that it is a kind of technique as it explains relationships of variables (objects) quantitatively. We can correlate height to weight for example, but it always varies, so correlations are not about achieving a sense of relationship perfection, it is only about explaining variable relationships using numerics. So when we use the correlation between height and weight, what we are really seeking is the variation in weight as it relates to variation in height, for example. One can correlate many variables in a study but data can contain correlations that one will not really think of or see firsthand. As such, researchers are very keen in practicing intelligent correlation analysis for the purpose of coming to a comprehensive understanding of the available data and being able to spot important correlative variables. There are 2 ways of determining correlation ...
Education
- MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
- MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
- Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
- BA, University of the Philippines
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