Scribd
Upload
2 views18 pages

Causation vs. Correlation Explained

The document discusses the concepts of covariance and correlation, using examples of athletes' heights and weights, as well as smoking and lung cancer. It emphasizes the distinction between causation and correlation, outlining the criteria for establishing causation, including correlation, temporal distinction, and control for other variables. The document concludes by affirming that studies have established a causal relationship between smoking and cancer.

Uploaded by

Mina Sameh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views18 pages

Causation vs. Correlation Explained

The document discusses the concepts of covariance and correlation, using examples of athletes' heights and weights, as well as smoking and lung cancer. It emphasizes the distinction between causation and correlation, outlining the criteria for establishing causation, including correlation, temporal distinction, and control for other variables. The document concludes by affirming that studies have established a causal relationship between smoking and cancer.

Uploaded by

Mina Sameh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Measures of Association

Covariance

Correlation
Heights and Weights of Athletes
250

200
Weight in kgs

150

100

50

0
125 145 165 185 205 225
Height in cms
Heights and Weights of Athletes
250

200

Correlation = 0.77
Weight in kgs

150

100

50

0
125 145 165 185 205 225
Height in cms
Does Weight cause Height ?

Does Height cause Weight ?


Causation versus Correlation
Causation versus Correlation

What is Causation and how do we establish it?


Causation versus Correlation

What is Causation and how do we establish it?

• Correlation
Causation versus Correlation

What is Causation and how do we establish it?

• Correlation
• Temporal distinction between the caused and
the causing variable
Causation versus Correlation

What is Causation and how do we establish it?

• Correlation
• Temporal distinction between the caused and
the causing variable
• Control for other variables that may cause the
focal variable
Smoking and Cancer
Smoking and Lung Cancer
180
160
140
Mortality Index

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Smoking Index
Smoking and Lung Cancer
180
160
140
Mortality Index

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Smoking Index
Smoking and Lung Cancer
180
160
140
Mortality Index

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Smoking Index
Smoking and Lung Cancer
180
160
140
Mortality Index

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Smoking Index
Smoking and Lung Cancer
180
160
140
Correlation = 0.72
Mortality Index

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Smoking Index
Causation versus Correlation

Studies have firmly established that smoking


causes cancer
Causation versus Correlation

Studies have firmly established that smoking


causes cancer

Smoking Cancer

Controlling for
other factors
causing cancer
Causation versus Correlation

It is important to distinguish between


Causation and Correlation

You might also like