Correlation does not mean causation. Correlation is the relationship between two or more things that mutually connect. These associations can help prove different concepts, but that doesn’t mean correlation implies causation. Causation is the evidence that backs up and proves the reason for the association.  We learnt how to use skills to analyze the validity, reliability and presentation of data to compare and interpret information. When causation is not presented and does not have evidence to back it up is a false correlation.


False correlations has massive effects on the public, and with the internet, misinformation can be spread easily. These false correlations can result in considerable disbelief in common knowledge, propaganda and vague ideas of unknown information. One of the most well known unproven relationships is that vaccines cause autism. This accusation does not have causation and reason this idea spread was through releasing without a proper scientific theory and isn’t tested by other doctors. The doctor could put the study into the public before being checked over. The reason for the correlation between autism rates and vaccines is because as kids are getting old enough to get vaccines, autism starts to show symptoms.

The outcome of this study resulted in many anti-vaxers that think they know the truth without having any education on this matter. By people not vaccinating outbreaks are occurring, babies are vulnerable and autoimmune people are at risk. Luckily there is a large amount of people that are protected, so they help stop disease from spreading.

Correlations proposed can involve many different factors not recognized. One study can never be the same as you can’t study the same person twice with different circumstances (this is called the Fundamental Problem).

Correlation can easily be flawed from the relationship (a = b) of two things and the pattern placed by someone to prove different causes (B = A, C = A&B, chance, etc.). Instead, causation has many various factors that result in the outcome.