DA0-002 Data Analysis Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are true about correlation and causation? (Select TWO).
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the classic 'correlation does not imply causation' fallacy, where candidates mistakenly think that a statistically significant correlation automatically proves a causal relationship, ignoring the role of chance and confounding variables.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Correlation does not imply causation
Correlation measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, but it does not imply that one variable causes the other. Causation requires controlled experiments with randomization to rule out confounding variables and establish a cause-effect relationship.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Correlation measures both linear and nonlinear relationships
Why it's wrong here
Pearson correlation measures linear relationship only.
- ✗
Causation can always be inferred from a controlled experiment without randomization
Why it's wrong here
Randomization is needed to infer causation.
- ✓
Correlation does not imply causation
Why this is correct
This is a fundamental concept.
- ✗
If two variables are highly correlated, one must cause the other
Why it's wrong here
High correlation does not prove causation.
- ✓
A statistically significant correlation may still be due to chance or confounding variables
Why this is correct
Significance does not guarantee causality.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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This DA0-002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-002 exam.