In class the point was made that a strong correlation between two social phenomena is not necessarily tantamount to a causal link.

Explanation:

Causation and correlation are that are mostly misunderstood and often used interchangeably. Understanding both statistical terms is very important not to make conclusions but more importantly, making a correct conclusion at the end. Correlation is a statistical technique that tells us how strongly the variables are linearly related and change together. It does not tell us why and how behind the relationship but it does say just the relationship exists. Correlation doesn't mean causality  

For example, ice cream doesn't cause death among people  

Correlation is something that we can think when we can't see under the cover. So the less information we have, the more we are forced to observe the correlation