Correlation and Causation

Correlation is the process of establishing a relationship between two or more factors. Correlation is an important concept that can be misused. One misuse is saying that factor A is caused by factor B just because correlation is found. Cause cannot be implied simply from correlation. Find two examples in scholarly articles within the last 10 years that use correlation analysis. One of the articles must use correlation to imply causation correctly and one article should not have justification to imply cause.

– Summarize both articles in at least 500 words.

– Explain why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other.

– What would be needed for the second article to justify a statement of cause?

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric (attached) prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Correlation and Causation – Rubric

Article Summaries 45 points

Criteria Description

5. Target 45 points

Summary of two articles is comprehensive and has at least 500 words.

4. Acceptable 38.25 points

Summary of both articles is thorough and is at least 500 words.

3. Approaching 33.75 points

Summary of both articles is included but lacks relevant supporting details.

2. Insufficient 29.25 points

Summary of only one article is included or the articles are

incomplete or incorrect.

1. Unsatisfactory 0 points

Article summaries are not

included.

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Explanation of Cause 45 points

Criteria Description

5. Target 45 points

Explanation of why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other is

thorough and includes substantial supporting details.

4. Acceptable 38.25 points

Explanation of why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other is

complete and provides relevant supporting detail.

3. Approaching 33.75 points

Explanation of why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other is

included but lacks relevant supporting detail.

2. Insufficient 29.25 points

Explanation of why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other is

incomplete or incorrect.

1. Unsatisfactory 0 points

Explanation of why cause was appropriate in one article and not in the other is not

included.

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Statement of Cause 45 points

Criteria Description

5. Target 45 points