Correlation does not equal causation!
The causal fallacy is a tactic that can trip up the best of us! Why? Our brains like to take shortcuts wherever possible. So when we see…
A followed by B .
Our brains want to jump to: A caused B.
While causation and correlation can exist at the same time, the two events are often unrelated. Even if the rooster does not crow, the sun will still come up.
Here is a COVID-19 example of the causal fallacy.
Misinformer: “My cousin got the vaccine and one month later had a heart attack. The shot caused him to have a heart attack!”
Reality: The COVID-19 vaccine is not a known cause of heart attacks. Every hour approximately 12 Canadian adults diagnosed with heart disease die. With 76% of Canadians fully vaccinated, the chances of having heart disease and being vaccinated are high. The two might correlate, but vaccination is not the cause.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.
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Correlation does not equal causation! 📣📣📣
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) January 11, 2022
The causal fallacy is an easy trap to fall into 🕳
Why? Our brains like to take shortcuts wherever possible
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