DataCareerHub
Explore learning
← Mistake ClinicFree companion · 15 minute suggested activity

Correlation becomes a promise

Mistake Clinic · Inspect the reasoning before opening the diagnosis.

Learn → Try → ExplainReviewed 2026-10-15
01

The questionable claim

Sales increased after a marketing campaign, so a slide says the campaign caused all growth.

02

Investigate

Identify the unit of analysis, denominator, population or information boundary. What extra evidence would be needed? Write a corrected statement first.

Diagnosis and repair

The timing alone does not isolate the campaign from prices, seasonality or other changes. Describe an observed association and propose a comparison or experiment with a defensible causal design.

04

Prevention

Add a test or review question that catches the error before publication. Save the original and corrected explanation so your reasoning is auditable.

Make the reasoning yours.

Try the activity before reading its reference. Keep your sources, commands and assumptions with your work. Companion activities are unsaved self-practice and do not award a certificate or change lesson progress.

Resume guidance and examples are for learning and preparation only. They do not guarantee interviews, a job offer or employment.

Public registration, payments and new paid enrolment remain disabled. These free resources do not grant access to protected course modules.

Learner dashboard ↗ · Ask a question ↗