Correlation vs Causation Pronunciation: /ˌkɔːr.əˈleɪ.ʃən vɜːrs kɑː.zəˈʃeɪ.ʃən/ (kor-uh-LAY-shun versus kaw-zuh-SHAY-shun) Part of Speech: Phrase
Explanation: A concept in statistics and research showing that two things happening together (correlation) does not mean one causes the other (causation). Correlation is simply a relationship or pattern between variables. Causation means that one event directly produces another. Confusing the two can cause false conclusions, especially in studies about social or health issues in Black American communities. Synonym: false causality (warning)
Example: Ice cream sales increase in the summer. Pool drownings also increase at the same time. The higher number of ice creams sold does not cause more drownings. Both happen more often because hot weather leads people to swim and buy ice cream.