Question

This week, we are exploring correlation versus causation and examining how correlation is often mis-represented as causation in the media. For instance, Homework 1 asks you to identify an example from the media that mis-identifies a causal relationship between two correlated variables. A relationship between two variables that appear to be associated with each other but actually are not is called a spurious correlation. For this discussion, please submit four posts related to spurious correlations and the interpretation of spurious correlations in the media: 1. First post (3 pts.): Visit the site tylervigen.com/discover and generate a graph of a correlation between two variables. Post the graph (either save the image or take a screen shot and post to the discussion board). Explain how you could design an experiment to rule out a spurious correlation. Have fun with this! 2. Second post (3 pts.): Reply to another person's first post to help clarify the experimental design to rule out a spurious correlation. In your reply, include under what conditions you might be able to infer causation. 3. Third and fourth posts (2 pts each): As a group, discuss the question: Why do you think the media often mis-represents correlation as causation? Please post twice in the discussion thread.

          This week, we are exploring correlation versus causation and examining how correlation is often mis-represented as causation in the media. For instance, Homework 1 asks you to identify an example from the media that mis-identifies a causal relationship between two correlated variables. A relationship between two variables that appear to be associated with each other but actually are not is called a spurious correlation.

For this discussion, please submit four posts related to spurious correlations and the interpretation of spurious correlations in the media:

1. First post (3 pts.): Visit the site tylervigen.com/discover and generate a graph of a correlation between two variables. Post the graph (either save the image or take a screen shot and post to the discussion board). Explain how you could design an experiment to rule out a spurious correlation. Have fun with this!

2. Second post (3 pts.): Reply to another person's first post to help clarify the experimental design to rule out a spurious correlation. In your reply, include under what conditions you might be able to infer causation.

3. Third and fourth posts (2 pts each): As a group, discuss the question: Why do you think the media often mis-represents correlation as causation? Please post twice in the discussion thread.

This week, we are exploring correlation versus causation and examining how correlation is often mis-represented as causation in the media. For instance, Homework 1 asks you to identify an example from the media that mis-identifies a causal relationship between two correlated variables. A relationship between two variables that appear to be associated with each other but actually are not is called a spurious correlation.

For this discussion, please submit four posts related to spurious correlations and the interpretation of spurious correlations in the media:

1. First post (3 pts.): Visit the site tylervigen.com/discover and generate a graph of a correlation between two variables. Post the graph (either save the image or take a screen shot and post to the discussion board). Explain how you could design an experiment to rule out a spurious correlation. Have fun with this!

2. Second post (3 pts.): Reply to another person's first post to help clarify the experimental design to rule out a spurious correlation. In your reply, include under what conditions you might be able to infer causation.

3. Third and fourth posts (2 pts each): As a group, discuss the question: Why do you think the media often mis-represents correlation as causation? Please post twice in the discussion thread.

Added by Nathaniel W.

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