相関

• Reading: そうかん
• Romaji: sokan
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (so) — mutual, each other | 関 (kan) — relate, concern
• Pronunciation: /so.ɯ.ka.n/

Meaning

Correlation; interrelation. A statistical or logical relationship between two variables where changes in one correspond to changes in the other.

Distinguished from causation (因果関係): 相関があっても因果があるとは限らない (correlation does not imply causation) is a key statistical principle. 相関係数 (correlation coefficient) ranges from -1 to +1. 正の相関 (positive correlation) and 負の相関 (negative correlation) describe the direction of the relationship.

Examples

1. 運動量と心肺機能の間には強い正の相関が認められた。 A strong positive correlation was found between exercise volume and cardiorespiratory fitness.
2. 二つの変数に相関があっても、必ずしも因果関係があるとは言えない。 Even if two variables are correlated, it cannot necessarily be concluded that a causal relationship exists.
3. 相関係数が1に近いほど、二つのデータの変動が連動していることを意味する。 The closer the correlation coefficient is to 1, the more closely the fluctuations of the two datasets move together.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, data science, research methodology

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 相 (so) meaning 'mutual, each other' and 関 (kan) meaning 'relate, concern'. Together they describe a mutual relationship or dependency between things.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Researchers and data professionals

Social background: Academic