Correlation and CausationCorrelation alone does not mean causation, although the media cannot resist using correlation to mean more than what it means. Today we analyze three articles for proper use of correlation and causation. Attempts at correlation and causal claims made included sleep with weight change, church attendance and obesity, as well as having children and being in poor health. DiscussionIn the world of news reporting, correlation is often reported as causation. This is not the case, since correlation by definition requires additional testing to demonstrate causation. These articles all refer to a different variable that shows a correlation with weight gain or loss. It is our duty to question all statistical claims made by our news. The articles we will study are "The link between sleep and weight", "Why going to church can make you gain weight", and "Why having children is bad for your health". The Link Between Sleep and Weight In the article "The Link Between Sleep and Weight", they use a few different study results to support their claim of causality. The first involved a group of women aged 40 to 60. These women had their weight and sleep habits tracked. This first study found that most women with poor sleep habits were significantly more likely to gain significant weight, equal to or more than 11 pounds (McCoy, 2010).The second study involved observing the exercise and eating habits of a group of young men after sleeping for eight hours and four hours for two consecutive nights. Researchers found that the men ate 560 more calories over the course. of the day following sleep deprivation compared to their well-rested counterparts The researchers discussed in this article say that children are even more at risk...... middle of article ....... Excerpt. from http://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/101/tips/snooze-control -suggested-for-overweight-children.aspx (McCoy, 2010)Park, A. (March 24, 2011). Why going to church can make you gain weight Read more: Why going to church can make you gain weight | time.com http://healthland.time.com/2011/03/24/why-going-to-church-can-make-you-fat/ Rochman, B. (April 11, 2011). Why having children is bad for your health. Learn more: Study. Retrieved from http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/11/is-parenthood-bad-for-your-health/?iid=WBeditorspicksPaul, M. (2011). Religious young adults become obese in middle age. (Master's thesis, Northwestern University) Retrieved from http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2011/03/religious-young-adults-obese.htmlBennett, J., Briggs, W. and Triola, MF ( 2014). Statistical reasoning for everyday life. (4th ed., pp. 237-273). Boston, MA: Pearson.