Correlation is a statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate together. A positive correlation indicates the extent to which those variables increase or decrease in parallel; a negative correlation indicates the extent to which one variable increases as the other decreases.

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When the fluctuation of one variable reliably predicts a similar fluctuation in another variable, there’s often a tendency to think that means that the change in one causes the change in the other. However, correlation does not imply causation. There may be, for example, an unknown factor that influences both variables similarly.

Here’s one example: A number of studies report a positive correlation between the amount of television children watch and the likelihood that they will become bullies. Media coverage often cites such studies to suggest that watching a lot of television causes  children to become bullies. However, the studies only report a correlation, not causation. It is likely that some other factor – such as a lack of parental supervision – may be the influential factor.

This was last updated in January 2013
Contributor(s): Ivy Wigmore
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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Definitions

  • negative correlation

    - A negative correlation is a relationship between two variables such that as the value of one variable increases, the other decreases.  Correlation is expressed on a range from +1 to -1, known as th... (WhatIs.com)

  • positive correlation

    - A positive correlation is a relationship between two variables such that their values increase or decrease together. Correlations are ranked on a scale from +1 to -1. In a perfect positive correlat... (WhatIs.com)

  • correlation coefficient

    - A correlation coefficient is a statistical measure of the degree to which changes to the value of one variable predict change to the value of another. In positively correlated variables, the value ... (WhatIs.com)

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