Correlation

/ˌkɔːr.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.

There is a strong correlation between physical exercise and mental health.

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate together.

The study found a positive correlation between income level and education attainment.

The degree to which two variables move in relation to each other.

Researchers are examining the correlation of climate change with wildlife migration patterns.

In psychology, a connection between two phenomena that suggests that one may cause the other.

She noted a correlation between increased screen time and symptoms of anxiety in teenagers.

The relationship between the presence of one factor and another.

The correlation of diet and health outcomes has been widely studied.

Derived from Latin 'correlatio', from 'cor-' meaning 'together' and 'relatio' meaning 'relation'.

positive correlation

A relationship where two variables increase or decrease together.

negative correlation

A relationship where one variable increases while the other decreases.

correlation does not imply causation

Just because two variables correlate does not necessarily mean that one causes the other.

correlate

To show a relationship between two variables.

causation

The action of causing something, difference from correlation.