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What does a zero correlation mean? Why do people tend to see relationships even when two events are uncorrelated?

User Rakhil
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Final answer:

A zero correlation means no relationship between two variables. Confirmation bias can make people see relationships even when there is no correlation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A zero correlation means that there is no relationship between two variables. When two events are uncorrelated, it means that changes in one event do not predict or affect changes in the other event.

People tend to see relationships even when two events are uncorrelated because of a cognitive bias called confirmation bias. Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to interpret or seek out information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or expectations.

For example, if someone believes that eating carrots improves eyesight, they may notice instances where they eat carrots and their eyesight improves, while disregarding instances where there is no relationship between eating carrots and eyesight.

User Robert Gould
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