The title of the infographic is, Thinking Critically About: Correlation and Causation
The Learning Objective Question reads, Why do correlations enable prediction but not cause-effect explanation?
The first section has text at the top that reads, Mental illness correlates with smoking—meaning that those who experience mental illness are also more likely to be smokers. (Footnote 1: Belluck, 2013.) Does this tell us anything about what causes mental illness or smoking? NO. An illustration shows a pack of cigarettes. Text reads, There may be something about smoking that leads to mental illness. Another illustration shows a man sitting on the floor holding his head. Text reads, Those with mental illness may be more likely to smoke. The word OR is shown over a question mark. Text reads, There may be some third variable, such as a stressful home life, for example, that triggers both smoking and mental illness.
The second section shows an illustration of two hearts inside a circle. Text reads, So, then, how would you interpret these recent findings: a) sexual hook-ups correlate with college women’s experiencing depression, and b) delaying sexual intimacy correlates with positive outcomes such as greater relationship satisfaction and stability? (Footnote 2: Fielder et al., 2013; Willoughby et al., 2014.)
By this is the text, Possible explanations:
Textbox with the text, 1. Sexual restraint. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with the text, Better mental health and stronger relationships.
Textbox with the text, 2. Depression. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with the text, People being more likely to hook up.
Textbox with the text, 3. Some third factor, such as lower impulsivity. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with the text, Sexual restraint, psychological well-being, and better relationships.
The third section shows an illustration of a young woman sitting at a table looking sad, resting her head on her hand. Text reads, Correlations do help us predict. Consider: Self-esteem correlates negatively with (and therefore predicts) depression. The lower people’s self-esteem, the greater their risk for depression.
Under this, the text reads, Possible interpretations:
Textbox with the text, 1. Low self-esteem. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with text, Depression,
Textbox with the text, 2. Depression. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with text, Low self-esteem,
Textbox with the text, 3. Some third factor, such as distressing events or biological predisposition. A right-facing arrow points to another textbox with text, Both low self-esteem and depression.
The fourth section shows an illustration of a man and a boy looking at a book together. Text reads, You try it! A survey of over 12,000 adolescents found that the more teens feel loved by their parents, the less likely they are to behave in unhealthy ways—having early sex, smoking, abusing alcohol and drugs, exhibiting violence. (Footnote 3: Resnick et al., 1997.) What are three possible ways we could interpret that finding? Answers: A. Parental love may produce healthy teens. B. Well-behaved teens may feel more parental love and approval. C. Some third factor, such as income or neighborhood, may influence both parental love AND teen behaviors.
A textbox at the bottom of the infographic reads, The point to remember: Correlation does not prove causation. Correlation suggests a possible cause-effect relationship but does not prove it. Remember this principle and you will be wiser as you read and hear news of scientific studies.