| Sumario: | The writer discusses the dangers of spurious correlation in both correlation and regression analysis for researchers in human and physical geography. He argues that spurious correlation occurs when variables used in the calculation of a correlation coefficient are in a functional relationship with each other. Through a discussion of simple additive functional relationships between variables, he demonstrates that spurious correlation may change the value of a correlation coefficient in a rather substantial way. In addition, he reveals that spurious correlation between the independent and dependant variable in multiple regression analysis might seriously impact on the coefficient of determination, resulting in incorrect inferences regarding the goodness-of-fit of the regression model. In conclusion, he considers the failure of previous research to deal with spurious correlation when the variables' functional relationship is other than additive and outlines the need for further research in this area.
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