You’ve probably heard someone say something like, “Studies show that X is linked to Y,” and it can sound pretty convincing. But in science, the word linked carries a very specific meaning, and it doesn’t always mean one thing is causing the other. One of the most common and most misunderstood concepts in research is correlation. It sounds intimidating because it’s a statistics term, but at its core, it’s simply a way scientists measure how two things change alongside each other.
Correlation:
This is technically a statistics word - oh no.
But really, all correlation really is, is an actual calculated number that describes the relationship between two variables, indicating the extent to which the change in one variable is associated with the change seen in the other variable.
But remember! Correlation does NOT equal causation.
It just strongly implies it.
Correlation is incredibly useful because it helps scientists spot patterns, generate new research questions, and identify relationships worth investigating further. But it’s only the starting point, not the final answer. Just because two things move together doesn’t mean one is responsible for the other — sometimes there’s coincidence, sometimes there’s a hidden third factor, and sometimes the relationship runs in the opposite direction. Understanding the difference helps us interpret research more critically and prevents us from jumping to conclusions based on patterns alone.
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