Correlation v. association?

brna0714

Can someone please explain the difference between these two concepts? I'd guess that association is generally weaker than correlation, but is there some hard and fast rule that separates the two concept? Is correlation always linear? I feel like I've heard the phrase, "non-linear correlation" ...

I'm not sure the specifics really matter, I'm just asking for my own edification. I'm reviewing PT69, S1, Q24 if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

ENTJ

I may be wrong, but a correlation (in LSAT terms) is usually a firm association usually between two variables (not to be confused with causality). Whereas an association lends itself to being a broader statement with a multitude of variables that can be "associated". Hope this helps!

brna0714

That does help. Thanks, @ENTJ !

ENTJ

Anytime.

Luluc1234

Correlation can be non-linear. It merely means there is a relationship between X variables. In the case of X = 2: if you plot one set of variables on the x axis and another on the y, you get to see a pattern instead of scattered points. I think it is safe to assume LSAT only uses positive or negative correlation (linear). And in the context of Q24, I don't see a difference between correlation and association.

My two cents is that association includes correlation. The difference is association encompasses much broader relationships. We could think of things that are associated without having the responsive relationship. On the other hand, correlation points to a much more definitive relationship of how one variable would repond to the other varible's changes.