There is a famous saying in statistics that “Correlation does not imply causation”.  Please address the following questions:

1)  In your own words, what does this statement mean?

2)  In statistics there are what are called ‘spurious’ correlations and ‘lurking variables’.  What do these terms mean?  Does a spurious correlation necessarily have a lurking variable or could it just be a coincidence?

3)  Finally, go to any website and find a spurious correlation.  Do not choose one that another student has chosen.  The spurious correlation can be implied or explicitedly stated by the authors.  What are the variables being correlated?  Why is the correlation spurious?  Are there any lurking variables that could otherwise explain the correlation or is it simply a coincidence?