Chapter 1b infographic image description

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 chart has three sections, each with text information and corresponding illustrations. The information in the first section reads as follows:

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 above reads, there may be something about smoking that leads to mental illness. Another illustration shows a man sitting on the floor with hands on his head. Corresponding text reads, those with mental illness may be more likely to smoke. The word OR is shown over a question mark. Corresponding text reads, there may be some third variable, such as a stressful home life, for example, that triggers both smoking and mental illness.

The information in the second section reads as follows: An illustration shows two overlapping heart shapes inside a circle. Corresponding 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.) Possible explanations:

  1. Sexual restraint leading to better mental health and stronger relationships.
  2. Depression leading to people being more likely to hook up.
  3. Some third factor, such as lower impulsivity leading to sexual restraint, psychological well-being, and better relationships.

The information in the third section reads as follows:

An illustration shows a young woman seated at a table looking sad and resting her head on her hand. Corresponding 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. Possible interpretations:

  1. Low self-esteem leads to depression.
  2. Depression leads to low self-esteem.
  3. Some third factor, such as distressing events or biological predisposition leads both low self-esteem and depression.

An illustration shows 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 info graphic 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.

The footer of the chart reads, 1. Belluck, 2013. 2. Fielder et al., 2013; Willoughby et al., 2014. 3. Resnick et al., 1997. 4. 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.