Wednesday Words- Correlation

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Wednesday Words

We will look at the words that define us. 

Chances are if you have read any research studies or even reviews of studies you have heard the word correlation.  Correlation is one of those words that can get us in trouble if we overlook its meaning. Correlation simply means that there is some sort of relationship between two things.  This DOES NOT mean that one thing causes another, only that they relate in some way.  Dictionary.com puts it this way:
"mutual relation of two or more things, parts, etc.: Studies find a positive correlation between severity of illness and nutritional status of the patients. Synonyms: similarity, correspondence, matching; parallelism, equivalence; interdependence, interrelationship, interconnection. "

When reading a study that shows a correlation between two items try to remember that this really only tells us that further study is needed to understand how the two topics relate.  This week try to catch a news story on a scientific study.  You will be surprised by how many media outlets will tout a causational relationship when the study only showed they are related in some way.

Do you have a term you’d like to know more about?  Tell me!

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