Causation and Correlation Analysis
A Grade 12 Math worksheet focusing on distinguishing between causation and correlation, identifying confounding variables, and interpreting statistical relationships.
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Causation and Correlation Analysis
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers. Distinguish between causation and correlation, and identify potential confounding variables where applicable.
1. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between causation and correlation?
Causation implies correlation, but correlation does not imply causation.
Correlation implies causation, but causation does not imply correlation.
Causation and correlation are independent concepts.
They are interchangeable terms.
2. A study found a strong positive correlation between ice cream sales and the number of drownings. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?
Eating ice cream causes people to drown.
Drowning causes an increase in ice cream consumption.
A third variable, such as warm weather, causes both.
There is no relationship between the two.
1. If two variables are correlated, it always means that one causes the other.
True
False
2. A confounding variable is a variable that influences both the dependent and independent variables, causing a spurious association.
True
False
1. When one variable directly influences another, it is called .
2. A indicates the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.
3. Experiments are often used to establish because they allow for control over variables.
1. Explain the difference between a positive correlation and a negative correlation. Provide an example for each.
2. Describe a scenario where two variables are correlated but do not have a causal relationship. Identify a potential confounding variable in your scenario.
Analyze the following scenarios and determine whether they represent causation, correlation, or neither. Justify your answer.
Scenario A: A city implements a new traffic light system, and the number of traffic accidents at that intersection decreases significantly.
Scenario B: A study finds that students who spend more time on social media tend to have lower grades.