Science Practices Correlation vs. Causation

not tested, but included in AP test

Independent Variable

The variable intentionally changed or altered by the experimenter to measure the outcome of the change

Dependent Variable

The variable that is actually changed or measured as a result of the experiment; it “depends” on the independent variable

Controlled Variable

Doesn’t change to see if independent variable is working

Correlation

Measure the extent to which two variables change together

Causation

Demonstration of how on variable influences another

Illusory Correlation

Perceiving a relationship between variables when no such relationship exist

Confounding Factor

An extra variable in a study influences both the independent and dependent variables that distort the relationship between them (temperature rising so more shark attacks and ice cream sale, they have no relation with each other)