Question

Suppose we find that variables A and B are correlated. Why can't we conclude, based on the correlation, that "A caused B?" Give two alternatives to the explanation "A causes B."

Answer 1

Correlation between two variables does not imply causation. Two alternatives to the explanation that 'A causes B' are the influence of a confounding variable and the possibility of reverse causation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Correlation between two variables does not imply causation. It means that there is a relationship between the variables, but it does not determine which variable is causing changes in the other.

Two alternatives to the explanation that 'A causes B' could be:

1. A third variable, also known as a confounding variable, could be influencing both variables A and B, leading to the correlation but not a causal relationship between them.
2. Reverse causation, where B causes A. In this case, the direction of the causal relationship is different from what was initially assumed.