noun · academic
correlation
UK/ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/US/ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃən/cor·re·LA·tion
a statistical relationship between two or more things; it does not by itself prove one causes the other
Examples
“There is a strong correlation between exercise and mental health.”
“The correlation was significant, but causation was not established.”
“Researchers reported a correlation between pollution levels and respiratory problems.”
Band 8 sentence
“While the data show a clear correlation between urbanisation and reduced biodiversity, they do not establish a causal mechanism.”
Collocations
- positive correlation
- correlation between A and B
- weak/strong correlation
Word family
Common mistakes
correlation = cause→correlation ≠ causation; a correlation shows association, not proof of cause
in correlation to→in correlation with / a correlation between
Say it for a higher band
5link→6relationship→7+correlation
Synonyms
relationship
association
Easily confused
causation
“The study found a correlation between diet and mood, but it did not prove causation.”
Related words
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In Science & Research
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