Data Analyst Question:

An association exists when one event is more likely to occur because another event has taken place. However, although the two events may be associated. One does not necessarily cause the other. The second event can still occur independently of the first.

Example:
Some research supports an association between certain patterns of drinking and the incidence of violence. However, even though harmful drinking and violent behavior may co-occur, there is no evidence showing that it is drinking that causes violence.