Correlation vs. Causation in Data Analysis

Selling more ice cream is directly linked to more shark attacks. It sounds crazy,

but the data shows a strong correlation. This is where regression comes in. It's a simple line

we draw through data points to predict outcomes. But here's the catch: association does

not mean causation. The real culprit is a lurking variable: hot weather! More people buy

ice cream, and more people go swimming, leading to more shark encounters.

This prediction line is powerful, but you have to be careful with it.

Use it wrong, and you might predict a baby will grow to be 7 feet tall.