juniorStatistics
What is correlation vs causation?
Updated May 17, 2026
Short answer
Correlation measures relationship; causation implies effect.
Deep explanation
Correlation does not imply causation due to confounders and hidden variables.
Real-world example
Ice cream sales correlate with drowning incidents (confounded by heat).
Common mistakes
- Assuming correlation implies causality.
Follow-up questions
- How to prove causation?
- What are confounders?