Back to Distinguish correlation from causation — Problem 5 · Task Set 11

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.

Grade 9·21 problems·~35 min·Common Core Math - HS Statistics and Probability·group·hss-id-c-9

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Fluency: Classify the Claim

Decide whether each statement is a correlation claim or a causation claim, and apply the definitions.

For each correlation, decide whether a causal claim is justified from the description alone. "A randomized experiment found that students given a new study guide scored higher than a randomly assigned control group." Is a causal claim justified here?

Yes - because subjects were randomly assigned to treatment and control, lurking variables are balanced, so the higher scores can be attributed to the study guide.

No - no study can ever justify a causal claim.

No - this is observational, so only correlation is shown.

Yes - but only because the groups were not randomized.