Which statement describes causation versus correlation?

• A. Causation occurs when Action A caused Outcome B
• B. Correlation means Action A was implemented and Outcome B happened with no implied connection
• C. Causation and correlation are identical
• D. Correlation means Outcome B caused Action A

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between causation and correlation is essential: causation means an action directly causes a change in an outcome, while correlation means two things tend to occur together without proving one causes the other. The statement that causation occurs when an action causes an outcome captures that direct, cause-and-effect link. In road safety terms, implementing a measure that reliably reduces injuries shows causation because changing the action changes the outcome. The other options misrepresent correlation or causation: correlation does reflect a relationship, it doesn’t imply no connection; the two concepts are not identical; and saying the outcome caused the action describes reverse causation, not the proper direction of influence.