CRITICAL THINKING - Fundamentals: Correlation and Causation

In this Wireless Philosophy video, Paul Henne (Duke University) explains the difference between correlation and causation.

Subscribe!

More on Paul Henne:

----

Wi-Phi @ YouTube:

Wi-Phi @ Khan Academy:

Twitter:

Instagram:
@wiphiofficial

Facebook:

----

Help us caption & translate this video!

[WirelessPhilosophy]

After a short break, WiPhi is back!

Sorry it's been a little while! We've been planning new philosophy content, and we're super excited to teach you about it ;) Stay tuned!

- The WiPhi Team

[guillaumebourgault]

I can't wait to see part 2. "Correlation is not causation" is easy to get. But it usually leaves you hanging: how does causation gets proven if causation is not enough? This second question usually does not get discussed.

[paulibug]

False. The part of Andy's brain that is responsible for solving math is in fact solar powered because he is part robot. Therefor, sun is needed for Andy to perform well on his math test.

[daleputnam]

Thank you for making these videos. Society would improve greatly if the average citizen understood these things.

[Sense]

I'm late to the party, and this is a great video. I just started taking a class that raises this issue, and I couldn't remember the difference between correlation and causation. I'm a visual learner, and I deeply appreciate the way you've explained this.

[robertferraro]

These are brilliant. So perfectly presented and easy to absorb the information.

[darkspeed]

I feel like your video coulld have stopped at 1:34 because you delivered a strong example that nailed it.

[escapetothemoon]

I am in the process of studing machine learning. Luckily, I caught your video! It was perfectly explained and easy to understand.

[TheAuntieBa]

Do keep in mind that sometimes there are lesser influences. Sunniness stimulates endorphins, which do assist learning; there could be a relationship after all. Just as studying just before sleep assists memory retention.

[yadidimeanmaine]

Looking forward to the next one!
I was thinking about this type of topic recently when on NPR they were talking about how a bunch of shcools in Texas don't teach their students sex-ed and then immediately cited Texas having one of the highest rates of teen moms, seemingly, to show that sex-ed should be universal in public schools. My first thought was that Texas is culturally very pro-life and generally marry and start families earlier. The amount of teens who literally don't know what causes pregnancy or what condoms are has got to be MINIMAL.

[cinderellaamnesia]

An actual hero ❣️ you explained this so well!! Thanks

[mashadarii]

Sun example isn't so good. Don't forget that the inverse of this argument holds true too: just because it looks like mere coincidence or correlation doesn't mean it doesn't cause it.

All this means is we don't know for sure.

For the sun argument it could be related to how he feels in the sun. Improved mood causes improved performance.

[futureDK]

YAY! You guys back?! Thank you, I've always enjoyed your videos & I've watched them all, for fun & to learn & reinforce my knowledge.

[jcnwillemsen]

Great video on explaining a difficult subject in layman terms. Gr JCNW MD PhD

[humanseeksjustice]

Two mutually exclusive events occurring at the same time.

[hkishawi]

Great video! c vs c perfectly explained :D

[conorbrendandunne]

Could someone answer the following question for me? 

When speaking of correlation and causation, is indirect causation still to be counted as causation? For example: 'The winter makes me gain weight'. Causal chain: 'During winter it is cold. Because it is cold, I do less exercise and eat more substantial meals. Because I do less exercise and eat more substantial meals, I gain weight'. Obviously, this one seems rather easy to answer. But what if this example were to span a causal chain composed of one hundred causes and effects?

[thalamus]

Awesome, if only someone can get this through the head of Scott Pruitt.

[williamwimbourne]

Hey, great video and explanation overview in 7mins. Thank you.

[daisymaeolide]

great explanation! i actually understand this now.