The dangers of overlooking time-honored cautions in the making causal interpretations of data analyses from correlational studies when using highly sophisticated computer programs and their associated techniques are discussed. (JKS)

Variance formulas of H. E. Daniels and M. G. Kendall (1947) are generalized to allow for the presence of ties and variance of the sample tau correlation. Applications of these generalized formulas are discussed and illustrated using data from a 1965 study of contraceptive use in 15 developing countries. (SLD)