Correlation analysis

Correlation analysis is a statistical method used to determine the relationship between two variables. It examines how changes in one variable may relate to changes in another. For instance, if higher ice cream sales are associated with warmer temperatures, we say there is a positive correlation. The strength and direction of this relationship are measured using a correlation coefficient, which ranges from -1 to 1. A value close to 1 indicates a strong positive correlation, while a value close to -1 indicates a strong negative correlation. Importantly, correlation does not imply causation; it only shows associations.