Correlation, Not Causation
Two things happening together does not prove one causes the other.
What it is
Correlation is not causation. Two things can move together without either causing the other. The cause might run the other way, or a third factor might drive both.
The LSAT tests this constantly, usually with a study or a survey. The evidence shows a link. The conclusion claims a cause.
An LSAT-style example
This example is original. It is not a real LSAT question.
Students who own more than forty books score higher on the reading section. Therefore, buying books raises your reading score.
The flaw: Ownership and scores move together. That does not show buying books causes the higher score. Students who love reading may do both.
How to spot it on test day
- Watch for 'linked to,' 'associated with,' 'goes along with.' Those words describe correlation, not cause.
- Ask: could the causation run the other way?
- Ask: could a third factor explain both?
The right answer vs. the trap
The right answer
The correct answer says the argument confuses correlation with causation, or overlooks alternative explanations.
The trap
The trap may quibble with the study’s sample size. A bigger study would still not prove causation. Keep your eye on the correlation-to-cause leap.
Find your weak flaws
The free diagnostic scores every question type, including flaw questions, and shows exactly where you are losing points.