DUE IN 3MINUTes
There is a strong positive linear correlation between rainfall and the number
of peaches a tree produces. Does this mean that more rainfall causes peach
trees to produce more fruit?
A. No. Any number of factors could also be affecting the number of
peaches produced.
B. No. Since rainfall and number of peaches are linearly correlated,
this means that more rainfall causes peach trees to produce less
fruit.
C. Yes. Since rainfall and number of peaches are positively
correlated, this means that more rainfall causes peach trees to
produce more fruit.
D. Yes. Since rainfall and number of peaches are linearly correlated,
this means that more rainfall causes peach trees to produce more
fruit.

The job of science is to explain relationships in the real world. Scientists do this by making observations, forming theories regarding relationships, and conducting experiments to test those theories.

An observation of correlation may result in a theory that one of the correlated phenomena causes another. The correlation, by itself, does not demonstrate causation. Any number of other factors could be involved.