Explain the difference between correlation and causation
Tests if you can avoid statistical fallacies. First, define correlation (association) and causation (cause-effect). Then, explain the difference via a confounding variable. A red flag is giving an example where one metric actually could cause the other.
This tests your ability to interpret data and avoid logical fallacies when making decisions. A great answer first defines correlation (statistical association) and causation (direct cause-and-effect). Then, it explains that a third, confounding variable can make two metrics appear related. Finally, it gives a specific software example, like increased latency and error rates both being caused by a surge in user traffic. The main red flag is just repeating the mantra without explaining the 'why' or giving a weak example.
Read the original → Wikipedia: Correlation does not imply causation
- #analytics
- #metrics
- #statistics
- #systems thinking
Get five bites like this every day.
Tezvyn delivers a daily feed of 60-second tech bites with quizzes to lock in what you learn.