CORRELATIONS

Correlation

A systematic relationship between two or more variables.

Spurious Correlation

Two or more variables are associated but not casually related'.

Third Variable Problem

The correlation between the two variables occurs because both variables are related to a third variable ( A and B are both caused by C ). There is no actual relationship between A, B, or C. 

Directionality Problem 

Even if two variables are causally related, the direction of that relationship is not indicated by the correlation. Does A cause B or does B cause A? Do both cause each other ? (Bidirectional Influence)

Illusory Correlation Bias 

The tendency to perceive relationships between events when when no actual correlation exists.

Apophenia

The phenomenon of seeing patterns where they do not exist.

Pareidolia

The process of perceiving an image in random noise, a type of apophenia.

Causation Fallacy

The tendency to believe that real or perceived correlations are due to a causational relationship between the variables.