If you ever need to explain the difference or importance of correlation versus causation, this site might prove useful(and humourous):
Spurious Correlations
http://tylervigen.com/
Example:
Total revenue generated by arcades (US)
correlates with
Computer science doctorates awarded (US)
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Total revenue generated by arcades (US)
Dollars in millions (US Census) |
1,196 |
1,176 |
1,269 |
1,240 |
1,307 |
1,435 |
1,601 |
1,654 |
1,803 |
1,734 |
|
Computer science doctorates awarded (US)
Degrees awarded (National Science Foundation) |
861 |
830 |
809 |
867 |
948 |
1,129 |
1,453 |
1,656 |
1,787 |
1,611 |
|
| Correlation: 0.985065 |
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Stephen
