Correlation - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Correlation is a term used in science to describe a relationship or connection between two things. In GCSE Biology, you might look for correlations to understand how one factor might influence another. For example, you could explore the correlation between the amount of sunlight a plant gets and how fast it grows. If two factors have a positive correlation, as one increases, the other tends to increase too. If they have a negative correlation, as one increases, the other tends to decrease. However, it's important to remember that correlation does not always mean one thing causes the other, it just shows that a relationship exists between them.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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