Question

If two variables are/ have a strong linear correlation, does this mean that one is the cause of the other? Give your opinion and support it with examples

Answer 1

Only because two things correlate does not mean that one causes the other.

That is, correlation is not causation.

Correlation is only the relative change in one variable when there is change in the other variable.

Also, correlation between two things can also be caused by a third element. Even strong linear correlation still does not imply causation.

e.g. Sales of electronic items in winter is high. Thus there is a correlation between fall in temperature and sale of electronic items.

But, this does not mean that increase in sale of electronic items is "because" of the fall in temperature.

The reasons could be that fall in temperatures is in winter and Christmas, the festive season falls in winter. People tend to buy more during festive seasons.