---
title: "Correlation and causation"
course: "DATA 101 · Question the numbers"
unit: "Where data comes from"
lesson: 10 of 16
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/question-the-numbers/correlation-and-causation
publisher: Maestro College
---

# Correlation and causation

Lesson 10 of 16 in **Question the numbers** (DATA 101), unit "Where data comes from". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Explain the difference between two things moving together and one causing the other.
- Identify a likely confounding factor in an example, such as hot weather driving both ice cream sales and swimming accidents.
- Spot reverse causation and coincidence as other explanations.
- Rewrite a causal headline so it accurately describes a correlation.

## Teaching notes
Present several invented correlation claims and have the learner propose at least two alternative explanations for each before deciding what evidence would settle it.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 10 complete: Correlation and causation."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "Experiments and A/B tests" (lesson 11 of 16), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/question-the-numbers/experiments-and-a-b-tests.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Samples and surveys
Next lesson: Experiments and A/B tests