What is the difference between correlation and causation?

The distinction between correlation and causation is fundamental in psychology and other sciences. Correlation refers to a statistical measure that shows the extent to which two variables change together. It indicates that there is a relationship between the variables, but it does not reveal the nature of this relationship—meaning, it doesn't provide any insight into whether one variable impacts the other.

Causation, on the other hand, means that one variable directly influences or causes a change in another variable. Establishing causation typically requires controlled experiments that can rule out other factors, showcasing that when one variable changes, the other variable responds accordingly.

Therefore, the correct option clearly states that correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation implies that one variable has a direct effect on another. This distinction is crucial for scientific inquiry because assuming causation based solely on correlation can lead to erroneous conclusions.