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A strong, positive correlation between ice cream sales and shark attacks does not imply that eating ice cream causes shark attacks. Why?

User Juan Leni
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Answer:

Correlation is study of mutual relationship between two variables, without any variable being 'dependent' or independent'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Correlation is statistical measure of mutual relationship between two variables, denoting how they fluctuate together. Eg : Correlation between nutritious status & severity of illness of a patient.

However, Correlation study doesn't define variables as : Independent (Causal) Variable , which effects the Dependent Variable.

The above study is 'Regression' which defines dependent variable(s) effected relationship from independent variable(s). Eg : Law of demand - price demand inverse relationship - price is the independent variable affecting dependent variable demand

So, Positive Correlation between Ice Cream Sales & shark attacks just implies that they move in same direction - one increase, other increase & one decrease, other decrease. It specifies nothing about change in which (independent) variable brings change in which (dependent) variable. As stated - Ice creams being independent variable affecting shark attacks, is not Correlation concept.

User Pugalmuni
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