Causes of disease

1.2 Data and disease

Learning outcomes
How is data interpreted and analysed?

What is a correlation and what does it mean?

How is a causal link established?

Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the incidence and
pattern of a disease with a view to finding the
means of preventing and controlling it.

Collect data on a disease

Look for a pattern or relationship between the

disease and various factors in the lives of the
people that have it.
Correlations and causal
relationships
A correlation occurs when a change in one of
two variables is reflected by a change in the
other variable.

What can you deduce from the following

graphs?

We can show a correlation, but further evidence

is needed to prove a causal link
Looking critically at data
Has the right factor been measured and have
the correct questions been asked?
How was the data gathered, where the
methods reliable and was the right apparatus
used?
Do those collecting data have a vested
interest in the outcome of the research?
Has the study been repeated, with the same
results and conclusions, by other people?
Are there still unanswered questions?
Correlation and association
Start in class and complete for homework

Collins AS Biology textbook p20-21

Correlation and association