Bias Binge #4 - Correlation indicates causation

The False Causality Bias highlights how the human mind assumes that when two events occur together one must have caused the other. The assumption in many cases is incorrect and merely a coincidence.

Let us look at a couple of examples before I bring this alive through an ad campaign. 

The first example is referred to as reverse causation or when we actually misinterpret the cause for the effect. This can be seen through any skill that is honed through practise. So for example you see this kid skating in your building every evening. You assume he is really talented at skating and hence he is always skating. While in reality he is practising skating regularly and that has caused him to get really skilled at it.

The second case could arise when there is a third factor that causes two outcomes but we falsely assume that one of the two outcomes is responsible for the other. This one is quite funny. It is said that wearing shoes to bed could give you a headache. But in reality it is having one too many drinks that is landing you in bed with your shoes and is also giving you that headache on the following day.

Now let's look at this new commercial for Star Sports and the the 2021 IPL. Personally I liked the ads and thought Dhoni was quite charming in both. However, I am going to use one of these ads to show you how it is playing on the false causality bias.

I think it is quite clear that his talent or perseverence or a combination there of that has brought Virat Kohli to where he is today. And while there will be those who will believe that it his anger that is making him win matches. Experts believe that with frustration and anger, your intensity goes up and leads to muscle tension, breathing difficulties, and a loss of coordination. These emotions also sap your energy and cause you to tire quickly.  I daresay, that is the cause of his current form - or is that again a case of false causality?