If rain dancing is correlated with rain, does that necessarily mean rain dancing causes rain?
A) No. This is an example of the fallacy of composition.
B) No. Two variables may be correlated without one necessarily causing the other.
C) Yes. This is an example of a failure to properly employ the ceteris paribus assumption.
D) Yes. If it rains after individuals have engaged in rain dancing, then there is certainly causation at work.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation does not necessarily imply causation. While rain dancing may be correlated with rain, it does not necessarily mean that the rain is caused by the rain dancing. It could be that both rain dancing and rain are caused by some other factor, or it could be coincidence. To establish causation, a rigorous experimental design would need to be employed, such as having a control group that does not engage in rain dancing and comparing their rainfall levels to those of the rain dancers.

If Rain Dancing Is Correlated with Rain, Does That Necessarily