Methods reading room: what analytical reports actually establish · RESEARCH-14153

Case 39 — Correlation in a small observational dataset · source wording exercise

Correction note for “Correlation in a small observational dataset”: retain the wording beginning “Association does not identify direction or causation, and…” in the record. If later material changes it, add the date, the changed wording and the source for that change; do not invent a completed correction here. Retain the source wording beside any paraphrase.

Case 39 — Correlation in a small observational dataset · source wording exercise

Limit of the answer in “Correlation in a small observational dataset”: “Association does not identify direction or causation, and…” is an excerpt from the discussion, not an independent verification. A reader needs the relevant original material before treating an interpretation as established. Review focus: source wording. Retain the source wording beside any paraphrase.

Case 39 — Correlation in a small observational dataset · source wording exercise

Summary draft for “Correlation in a small observational dataset”: the answer addresses “Association does not identify direction or causation, and…”; the related point is “Report sample size, potential confounders…”. Keep both connected to the opening question, and mark any conclusion needing further records as unresolved. Review focus: source wording. Retain the source wording beside any paraphrase.