Correlation Quote by David Brin
“Those who use 'Correlation is not the same as causation' as a magic incantation to dismiss all fact-using professions are fools holding a lit match in one hand and an open gas can in the other, screaming, 'One has nothing to do with the other!'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Tech conference, 2015
Misusing correlation-causation confusion as a blanket dismissal is dangerous and reckless.
In simple terms: Bad logic leads to harmful conclusions.
Key Takeaway
Question claims critically, not with slogans.
Themes
critical thinking
logic
science communication
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates
- media analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
fallacy awareness
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to invoke correlation vs causation?
- How can we improve statistical literacy?
A Different Perspective
People may use the phrase responsibly to simplify complex ideas.
![“In the real world of research, conventional tests of [statistical] significance seem almost worthless.” quote by Fischer Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a4/fischer-black-60662_conventional_in-the-real-world-of-research-convention_163947.jpg)
