A Classroom Demonstration of the Difference between Correlation and Causality
1988 ◽
Vol 66
(3)
◽
pp. 801-802
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Keyword(s):
An important principle to demonstrate in the first course in psychology is that correlation and causality are not the same. This note describes an apparatus useful in demonstrating the point: correlation does not necessarily imply causality. A black box contains a crank on one end and a flag on the other, without a connection between them. When the instructor overtly turns the crank and, in synchrony, covertly operates another mechanism to wave the flag, the students develop a strong delusion from the mere correlation of the two observed events that turning the crank causes the flag to wave. This demonstration becomes the basis for a discussion of this pitfall in interpreting both research data and life experiences.
2020 ◽
Vol 4
(1)
◽
pp. 59-67
Keyword(s):
2019 ◽
Vol 3
(2)
◽
pp. 27
Keyword(s):
1973 ◽
Vol 29
(02)
◽
pp. 490-498
◽
Keyword(s):
2017 ◽
Vol 2017
(2)
◽
pp. 57-76
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Keyword(s):
2017 ◽
1953 ◽
Vol 31
(3)
◽
pp. 447-460
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2020 ◽
Vol 15
(S359)
◽
pp. 188-189
Keyword(s):