Data mining is the process of using sophisticated statistical techniques to extract and analyze data from large databases to discern patterns and trends that were not previously known. The patterns we find are correlations, but we do not necessarily find causation.
Newspaper headlines often link one activity to another and imply causation, rather than a simple correlation or association. Jon Mueller, a professor at North Central College, suggests when describing a correlation between two variables that there are some acceptable ways to describe this relationship.

ACCEPTABLE TERMS for Correlations __________________ AVOID THESE TERMS When Discussing Correlation (but they
__________________________________________________________are acceptable when asserting causation)
Get ....................................................................................................................................................... Cause
Have ............................................................................................................................... Increase/decrease
Linked .............................................................................................................................................. Benefits
More ................................................................................................................................................. Impacts
More/less, less ....................................................................................................... Enhances/undermines
Tied ............................................................................................................................................ Effect/affect
Connected/related .......................................................................................................... Improves/boosts
Tend .......................................................................... If → then type statements (implies one-direction)

In light of these suggestions, evaluate each of these headlines as to whether they suggest a causal or noncausal relationship.
1. Obese girls less likely to attend college, research shows
2. Migraine often associated with psychiatric disorders
3. Your parents are correct, scholars report: Studying pays off

4. Snooze or lose: Memory retention enhanced by sleep

5. Tooth loss in elderly linked to mental impairment
6. Eating fatty fish lowers risk of dementia
7. Political bias affects brain activity, study finds
8. Child anxiety link to ecstasy use.