If we find that there is a linear correlation between the co

If we find that there is a linear correlation between the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and the global temperature, does that indicate that changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide cause changes in the global temperature?

Solution

The correlation between any two variables gives us the measure of linear relationship between them. But this doesn\'t imply causation.

Causation is symmetric (i.e X causes Y is different from y causes X) while correlation is symmetric.

So, here we can\'t conclude that change in the concentration of carbon di oxide causes change in the global temperature.

Hence, option (A) is correct.