Causation

Comments

• Dgelf321 Free Trial Member

  August 2015 87 karma

  What specifically about causation do you find yourself struggling with? As a general rule, I try to approach causation questions with skepticism, and the trusty "correlation doesn't imply causation" mantra. At times I frequently find that there may be a reversal between both components, as in the Argument contends A causes B, but rather B causes A, or an independent 3rd cause that affects both, or no relationship at all save for a correlation. It helps to get in this skeptical frame of mind. Obviously each question is different but if you continue to solve them, you'll notice yourself become more attuned to frequent argument flaws, and you'll start to anticipate the answer choices. Furthermore, if you can see examples of the cause without the effect, or the effect with the cause this may be a clear indication of the argument's purported causation to not be true. Hope this helps!
• 5 Likes

  LoraxMan Alum Member

  September 2015 180 karma

  Here's the framework I use:
  
  Stimulus: A correlates with B, so A causes B (*Correlation implies causation*)
  
  Weaken:
  B causes A
  C causes A and B
  Relationship is a coincidence
  
  Strengthen:
  Rule out B causing A
  Rule out C causing A and B
  Rule out Relationship is a coincidence
  
  
  Stimulus: A causes B (*Causation is referenced or used*)
  
  Weaken:
  A occurs and B does not occur
  A does not occur but B does occur
  Alternate cause identified (includes reversal)
  
  Strengthen:
  A occurs and B occurs
  A does not occur, B does not occur
  Alternate cause blocked (includes reversal)
  
  Sound about right? Would welcome additions/suggestions!
  
  
  
  
  
• nicole.hopkins Inactive Sage Inactive ⭐

  November 2015 7965 karma

  Bump because this rocks
• as5324therapy Member

  November 2015 175 karma

  Money
• GSU Hopeful Core ⭐

  November 2015 1644 karma

  @LoraxMan Great summary! That can help newbies and vets alike. @Martin01 Do you have access to the curriculum?
• Martin01 Member

  November 2015 343 karma

  Yes. And, I have been improving. Thank you. I will be in contact!