Two trends rise and fall in step. Your job: decide whether one truly drives the other, or something hidden links them.
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How to play
Each case shows two correlated variables plotted over time with a short scenario. Read the chart and the context, then classify the relationship: A causes B, B causes A, a hidden third variable drives both, or it's just coincidence. Correct calls bank points and the truth is explained afterward.
Choose from True Cause, Reverse, Confounder or Coincidence.
Many cases hide a lurking variable that explains the link.
Round length depends on difficulty; a final score sums your reads.
Controls
Desktop: click the relationship card you believe is correct.
Phone & tablet: tap your choice, fully touch-friendly.
Game modes
Daily and Practice modes, each in Casual, Standard or Marathon length.
Tips & strategy
Ask which variable could plausibly come first in time.
When a third factor (weather, wealth, season) could move both lines, suspect a confounder.
What you'll learn
Cause for Concern is built around the maxim that correlation is not causation, training you to spot confounders.
Skills: correlation vs causation, confounders, statistical reasoning
Best for: roughly grades 8–12 (ages 13+)
For parents & teachers: why correlation isn't causation.
About Cause for Concern
Cause for Concern is a deduction game built around the maxim that correlation is not causation. It's an original free browser game made for PlayPendium.
A free, original browser game on PlayPendium. No download, no install.
