Which of these is a condition necessary to establish causal inferences?
A) The two variables are not correlated.
B) Multiple alternative explanations exist for the correlation.
C) The presumed cause precedes the presumed effect in time.
D) The study was conducted in an open environment.
E) The sample size is large enough.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The condition necessary to establish causal inferences is that the presumed cause precedes the presumed effect in time. This means that the cause must occur before the effect. This helps to eliminate the possibility of reverse causation, where the effect causes the cause. The other options are not conditions necessary to establish causal inferences.

Which of These Is a Condition Necessary to Establish Causal