Causality
A causal relationship is a relationship in which one variable or event influences the occurrence or change of another variable or event.
Definition
Causation is stronger than mere correlation or temporal sequence. Just because something came after something doesn't mean it was caused by it. In practice, alternative explanations, third factors, the direction of influence, and interventional evidence when available must be tested.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
When making a causal inference, ask: Do I only have co-occurrence or evidence of influence? What other factors could have been at work?
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to confuse correlation with causation. It is also a mistake to ignore complex systems in which many causes operate at once.
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.