Welcome to the Correlation vs Causation Coach. When writing Chapter 5, claiming that one variable "caused" another based purely on a correlation is an instant red flag for thesis examiners. This tool helps you write safe, rigorous academic claims.
A correlation simply tells us that two variables move together (e.g., when A goes up, B goes up). It does not prove that A made B go up. To prove a cause, you need an experimental design (with control groups and interventions).
If you ran a Pearson Correlation in SPSS, you should never use these words in your discussion:
Instead, rely on correlational or predictive language:
The Directionality Problem (A ↔ B): Does higher Motivation cause better Test Scores, or do getting better Test Scores cause higher Motivation? Correlation cannot tell you which direction the arrow points.
The Third Variable Problem (C → A & B): Sometimes, neither variable causes the other. A hidden "Third Variable" causes both. For example, a student's Socioeconomic Status (Variable C) might increase both their Motivation (Variable A) and their Test Scores (Variable B) simultaneously.