For observational data, correlations can't confirm causation... Correlations between variables show us that there is a pattern in the data: that the variables we have tend to move together. However, correlations alone don't show us whether or not the data are moving together because one variable causes the other.

Why does correlation not imply causation example?

"Correlation is not causation" means that just because two things correlate does not necessarily mean that one causes the other. As a seasonal example, just because people in the UK tend to spend more in the shops when it's cold and less when it's hot doesn't mean cold weather causes frenzied high-street spending.

Why is correlation not causation quizlet?

It is important to know that correlation does not mean causation because correlation indicates the possibility of a cause-effect relationship, but does not prove causation and just because two things are correlated, doesn't mean causation, no matter how strong the relationship, it does not prove causation.