Correlation vs. Causation: The Analysis of Data

Correlation vs. Causation:

((*NOTE: I’m going to (perhaps foolishly) implore you to read the article before thrashing out against the graph*))

This graph tells a very simple tale. Between 1997 and 2007, the rate of autism and organic food sales has risen at the same rate. Obviously, this chart goes to prove that autism and eating organic foods are related to each other and you should avoid organics all together, right? Wrong.

This chart is one of the best examples I’ve ever seen detailing how correlation and causation can have absolutely nothing to do with each other. In fact, in many cases, correlation and causation have nothing to do with each other – but what exactly does that mean?

Find out here: http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/correlation-vs-causation/

Image Source: http://i.imgur.com/1WZ6h.png