Discuss the difference between association and cause

Make a prediction and investigate

Walk through the causation research world. Write down its research question and distinguish an observation from an explanation.

Discuss the evidence

Choose one alternative explanation for an association. Describe evidence that would help test that alternative.

Try it beyond the activity

Return to the linked original paper and compare its qualifications with your summary. This activity introduces reasoning; it does not establish a causal claim about a new situation.

Record your thinking

Sources and limits

This companion uses the published When does an association become a cause? activity and its learning guidance. Review any original sources linked there. It is a discussion plan by Lesson Worlds, not a scored assessment, a standards certification, or evidence of learning gains.

Use this activity with a learner

Educators and independent learners

Learning goal: “Correlation isn’t causation” is only the start. Hill asked when an observed link is strong enough to act on.

Before you begin: Read the research question first. Distinguish the original evidence from the simplified interactive explanation.

Check understanding: Ask for one observation, the evidence that supports it, and a question to investigate next.

This is a guided interpretation of a research paper, not a replacement for its methods, limitations, or original publication.

Activity and guide by Lesson Worlds. About the platform.