Correlation
A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
In statistics, 'correlation' refers to a statistical measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are linearly related (meaning they change together at a constant rate). It does not imply causation.
Word relationships
- Relationship: Broader term, can be any connection; 'correlation' specifies a statistical or reciprocal connection.
- Association: A connection or cooperative link; similar to correlation but can be less formal or statistical.
- Interconnection: A mutual connection between two or more things.
- Independence: The state of two variables having no statistical relationship.
- Disconnection: A lack of connection or relationship.
Commonly confused with
- Causation: 'Correlation' means two things tend to happen together. 'Causation' means one thing directly causes another to happen. Correlation does not imply causation.
Word family
- correlate (verb): to have a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.
- correlated (adjective): having a mutual relationship or connection.
Collocations
- strong correlation
- positive correlation
- negative correlation
- high correlation
- find a correlation
Example sentences
- "There is a strong positive correlation between hours studied and exam scores." In a statistics lecture.
- "Researchers found a correlation between increased screen time and decreased physical activity in children." From a public health study.
- "While we observed a correlation between advertising spend and sales, further analysis is needed to establish causation." In a business analysis.
Memory hook
Think of 'CORRELATION' as 'CO-RELATION' – things that have a relationship 'CO-exist' or move together. CO-RELATION
When not to use
Do not use 'correlation' to imply that one thing causes another. Correlation only indicates a relationship, not causality.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'correlation does not imply causation' is a fundamental principle in statistics and scientific reasoning.
- Spurious correlations are instances where two variables appear to be correlated but are not causally linked, often due to coincidence or a third, unseen variable.
Explore more words
causality, synchronicity, symbiotic, interdependent, interconnectedness, coincidence
Also appears in
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.