Correlations
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 11.2.5
Correlations
A correlation between two things does not always mean that one caused the other.
Causal relationship
- Sometimes, there may be a correlation because there is a causal relationship.
- Example: The use of pesticides correlates with the number of dead bees because pesticides cause the death of bees.
Another factor
- Sometimes, there is a correlation between two things because both are part of another factor.
- Example: The amount of rain in London correlates with the amount of rain in Birmingham because both are caused by weather patterns in the UK.
Coincidence
- Sometimes what appears to be a correlation is just a coincidence.
- Example: The lower number of pirates correlates with the higher global temperatures. This is just a coincidence!
Test yourself on Correlations
What is the most likely cause of a correlation between two factors that have nothing to do with each other?
Which of the following correlations is likely caused by another factor in common?
Which of the following correlations shows a causal relationship?