Correlation

Definition

Correlation refers to a statistical relationship between two or more variables where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another. It does not necessarily imply causation but indicates that the variables move in tandem to some degree.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃən/
• Respelling: kor-uh-LAY-shun

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/
• Respelling: kor-uh-LAY-shun

The pronunciation of "correlation" differs slightly between American and British English, particularly in the first syllable vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "correlation" comes from the Medieval Latin term "correlatio," which is composed of "com-" meaning "together" and "relatio," meaning "relation" or "connection." It entered the English language in the 16th century, primarily in the context of relationships between things or ideas.

Derivatives

• Correlate (verb)
• Correlational (adjective)
• Correlated (adjective)
• Uncorrelated (adjective)
• Correlation coefficient (noun)

Synonyms

• Association
• Connection
• Interdependence

Antonyms

• Independence
• Dissimilarity
• Disconnection

Usage

Correlation is widely used in statistics, research, and data analysis to determine how closely two variables are related. It is often measured using a correlation coefficient, with values ranging from -1 to 1, where -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation, 1 indicates a perfect positive correlation, and 0 means no correlation. Correlations are frequently used in economics, psychology, and the natural sciences to identify trends or relationships between datasets.

Related Terms

• Causality: The relationship between cause and effect, distinct from correlation, which does not imply causation.
• Covariance: A measure of how much two variables change together, often used alongside correlation.
• Regression: A statistical method used to model the relationship between dependent and independent variables.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A mutual relationship between two or more variables: Refers to the statistical relationship indicating how one variable is associated with another.
  • Example: "There is a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer."
• The degree to which two variables move in relation to each other: Describes how changes in one factor are reflected by changes in another.
  • Example: "The study found a positive correlation between exercise and mental health."