Exercises: Distinguish Correlation from Causation
Work through each section in order. For each scenario, separate two different claims: a CORRELATION claim ("the two variables move together") from a CAUSATION claim ("one variable produces a change in the other"). When a correlation is not causal, name the most plausible alternative explanation - reverse causation, a lurking (common) variable, or coincidence - and identify the lurking variable when one exists. Write explanations in complete sentences.
Fluency: Classify the Claim
Decide whether each statement is a correlation claim or a causation claim, and apply the definitions.
A study finds that, among children, shoe size and reading ability have a strong positive correlation. A student concludes, "So having bigger feet makes children read better." What is wrong with this conclusion?