Final answer:
Correlation does not imply causation because a relationship between two variables does not confirm that one causes the other. Correlational research can reveal associations, but cause-and-effect require more evidence such as through experimental research or the identification of possible confounding factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "correlation ≠ causation" means that just because two variables appear to be related, this does not necessarily mean that one variable causes the other to change. In other words, while a correlation indicates that there is a relationship between the two variables, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect link.
Correlational research helps to identify whether there is a relationship between variables and the strength and direction of that relationship. However, distinguishing correlation from causation is crucial because they are not equivalent. A classic example is the increase in ice cream sales and the increase in crime rates during summer months. While these two variables are correlated, it's not because ice cream sales cause crime to rise. Instead, both are correlated with a third variable: temperature.
The fallacy of false cause occurs when assuming a causal relation where none exists, which can be misleading. The correlation between sunburns and wearing swimsuits does not mean swimsuits cause sunburns; rather, it likely indicates that people tend to wear swimsuits when exposed to the sun, which is the actual cause of sunburn.