Purchase Solution

Define Correlation and Causation

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Define correlation. Then give an example of a misleading correlation and an example of a meaningful correlation. With this describe the relationship between correlation and causation.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution provides a definition for correlation and causation and descibes the relationship between the two.

Solution Preview

(1) Correlation

(a) Define correlation.
Correlation indicates that two variables have a linear (vertical) relationship. A coefficient of correlation is an index of the direction and magnitude of the relationship. Correlates vary in form and size and are a function of sample size and diversity (Friedrich, 2005). Several studies point to a correlation between variables. For example, according to Friedrich, smaller correlates are significant when sample sizes are larger and the size of the size of the correlation is related to the variances and diversity of the sample (p. 44).

(b) With this, describe the relationship between correlation and causation.
Causation holds that a change in one variable will cause a similar change in another variable. For example, if more police patrol a neighborhood and crime goes ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Measures of Central Tendency

Tests knowledge of the three main measures of central tendency, including some simple calculation questions.

Know Your Statistical Concepts

Each question is a choice-summary multiple choice question that presents you with a statistical concept and then 4 numbered statements. You must decide which (if any) of the numbered statements is/are true as they relate to the statistical concept.

Terms and Definitions for Statistics

This quiz covers basic terms and definitions of statistics.

Measures of Central Tendency

This quiz evaluates the students understanding of the measures of central tendency seen in statistics. This quiz is specifically designed to incorporate the measures of central tendency as they relate to psychological research.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Research - Association, Correlation and Causation

    521583 Research - Association, Correlation and Causation Define the difference between these three in scientific research, which is the most valuable concept in research, and how difficult do you believe it is to determine each of these terms in quantitative

  • Correlation and Regression

    55028 Defining Correlation and Regression Please define correlation and regression.

  • Hypothesis testing and experimental study stats

    The direction of a correlation may be positive or negative and its strength ranges between -1 to 1, with 0 indicating no correlation at all. A human services manager will need to define the constructs s/he is trying to study about.

  • descriptive statistics versus inferential statistics

    How does correlation analysis differ from regression analysis? What does a correlation coefficient reveal? Is correlation the same as causation? 1. Differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

  • Correlation and Causation

    In this week's DQ1 forum, define both correlation and causation and provide one new example of each. Provide an example of a negative impact of confusing these two. 2. The Developing Person presents the five main theories of human development.

  • Correlation and Causation: Meaning, Comparison

    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.

  • Discussing relationship between correlation and causation

    581019 Discussing relationship between correlation and causation Here is when I used an informal type of correlation. In this case, "Does correlation imply causation?" Why or why not?

  • Statistics - Correlation and Causation - Example

    We can not assign cause and effect relationship between X and Y. Correlation is neither the same as causation nor does it show causation. It is regression that deals with causation.

  • Does correlation equal causation?

    (1) As seen from the above discussion, correlation is not the same as causation. Correlation does not show causation. It is regression that deals with causation. (2) Correlation is a measure of association, not causation.

View More Related Solutions