Association facts for kids

An association is generally a group of people or things that are connected in some way. It can mean different kinds of groups working together, or even how ideas are linked in our minds. Think of it as a way to describe how things are related or joined.

What is an Association?

An association often refers to a group of people who come together for a shared goal. These groups are usually formed by choice, meaning people decide to join them. They might be created for fun, for a serious purpose, or to help others.

Groups of People

Many associations are made up of people. These groups can be very different, but they all involve people working together.

Voluntary Associations

A Voluntary association is a group where people freely choose to join and work together. They agree on a purpose, like a hobby, a cause, or a shared interest. For example, a school club, a sports team, or a neighborhood watch group are all types of voluntary associations. People join because they want to contribute or be part of something.

Non-Profit Organizations

Some associations are set up as 501(c) non-profit organizations. This means they don't aim to make money for their owners. Instead, any money they earn goes back into helping them achieve their goals. These organizations often do good work for the community, like charities, educational groups, or environmental protection groups.

Professional and Trade Groups

• A Professional association is a group for people who work in the same job or field. For instance, doctors might have an association to share new medical information.
• An industry trade group or trade association is similar, but it's for businesses in the same industry. They work together on common issues, like setting standards or promoting their industry.

Alumni Associations

An Alumni association is a group of former students from a school, college, or university. They often stay connected to support their old school and keep in touch with classmates. They might organize events or raise money for scholarships.

Ideas and Connections

The word "association" can also describe how things are linked, not just people.

Association in Psychology

In Association (psychology), it means how one idea or memory is linked to another in your mind. For example, if you hear a certain song and it reminds you of a happy summer day, that's an association. Our brains constantly make these connections, helping us learn and remember things.

Association in Statistics

In statistics, "association" means that two things are related to each other. If one thing changes, the other tends to change too. For example, there might be an association between how much a plant is watered and how tall it grows. It doesn't always mean one causes the other, just that they are connected.

Science and History

"Association" also has special meanings in different scientific fields and in history.

Archaeological Association

In archaeology, it describes how objects are found together at a dig site. If a tool and a pot are found in the same layer of soil, archaeologists assume they were used around the same time by the same people. This helps them understand ancient cultures.

Association in Ecology

In ecology, it refers to groups of plants or animals that live together in a certain area. These groups often appear in a uniform way across a landscape. For example, a forest might have a specific association of trees, shrubs, and animals that thrive together in that environment.

Historical Ships

Sometimes, "association" is part of a name, like HMS Association. This was a real Royal Navy ship that sadly sank in 1707. It's an example of how the word can be used in historical names.

The Association (Band)

The Association is also the name of a famous pop band. They were popular in the 1960s and are known for their harmonies and hit songs.

See also

In Spanish: Asociación para niños