Causation

noun · Critical thinking

Definition

A relationship where one event or factor brings about another.

Showing causation usually needs more than showing two things occur together. Historians also discuss long-term and short-term causes.

Smoking causes an increase in the risk of lung cancer.

Correlation does not by itself show causation.

CorrelationA relationship in which two variables tend to change together.
Confounding variableA third factor that influences both of the variables being studied and creates a misleading link.

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