Causation And Correlation
How much do you know about causation and correlation? Take this quick quiz to find out!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following situations is an example of CAUSATION?
- A.
Rain causes clouds
- B.
Birthdays cause people to age
- C.
Snow causes Christmas
- D.
Skipping lunch causes hunger
Correct Answer
D. Skipping lunch causes hungerExplanation
"Skipping lunch causes hunger" is the only example of cause and effect. If you skip lunch, it will cause you to be hungry. Rain does not CAUSE clouds; rain is produced by clouds under some circumstances. Birthdays don't CAUSE people to age; birthdays are celebrations of aging, which is inevitable. Snow does not CAUSE Christmas - Christmas is always on the 25th of December, regardless of the temperature or weather.
CAUSATION means that one thing (the INDEPENDENT variable) CAUSES another (the DEPENDENT variable).Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which one of these examples is NOT an example of CAUSATION?
- A.
Kryptonite causes Superman to lose all his powers.
- B.
Temperatures of less than 32˚F cause water to freeze.
- C.
Umbrellas cause rainstorms.
- D.
Stepping on the gas pedal causes a car to move faster.
Correct Answer
C. Umbrellas cause rainstorms.Explanation
"Umbrellas cause rainstorms" is the only example that doesn't show CAUSATION. Umbrellas don't cause rainstorms, even though you usually see lots of umbrellas when it's raining. The other examples do show causation. Kryptonite is the reason Superman loses his powers, Water freezes because of temperatures lower than 32˚F, and cars accelerate because someone steps on the gas pedal.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is one new example of causation?
- 4.
Identify whether this is an example of causation or correlation: Poison Ivy and Rashes
- A.
Causation
- B.
Correlation
Correct Answer
A. CausationExplanation
This is an example of causation because poison ivy causes rashes. When a person comes into contact with poison ivy, the oils from the plant can cause an allergic reaction on the skin, resulting in a rash. Therefore, there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between being exposed to poison ivy and developing rashes.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Identify whether this is an example of causation or correlation: Age and Number of Toy Cars Owned
- A.
Causation
- B.
Correlation
Correct Answer
B. CorrelationExplanation
This is an example of correlation because it suggests that there is a relationship between age and the number of toy cars owned, but it does not imply that one variable causes the other. It could be that as children grow older, they tend to accumulate more toy cars, but it could also be that children who have more toy cars tend to be older.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Is it possible for two things to have a causal relationship, but not be correlated? Is it possible for two things to be correlated, but not have a causal relationship? Explain, with examples if helpful.
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 15, 2012Quiz Created by
Goorthuys
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