I first heard the expression on a stats course for an MSc programme and am struggling a bit with the idea that it’s a concept not used by scientists, as other posters also attest to. The lecturer used the expression in the context of poor scientific news reporting where correlations were used to imply causation. Such that it’s used as a cheap propaganda or marketing gimmick.
It’s also fair point, as the writer points out, that correlation doesn’t say something interesting.
What I also find interesting is that the meaning of shibboleth has moved on: no longer a test of insider/outsider status. Now a totemic belief or principle.
It’s also fair point, as the writer points out, that correlation doesn’t say something interesting.
What I also find interesting is that the meaning of shibboleth has moved on: no longer a test of insider/outsider status. Now a totemic belief or principle.