Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of evidence is considered the most important to show that event A causes event B?
Which type of evidence is considered the most important to show that event A causes event B?
- Expert opinion
- Statistical correlation (correct)
- Logical reasoning
- Anecdotal evidence
What is one issue with relying solely on statistical correlation to infer causation?
What is one issue with relying solely on statistical correlation to infer causation?
- The correlation may not be real. (correct)
- It provides concrete proof of causation.
- It eliminates the need for further evidence.
- It is always the most accurate method.
What is the danger of assuming causation based on a correlation that is found?
What is the danger of assuming causation based on a correlation that is found?
- It guarantees a cause and effect relationship.
- It can lead to stronger scientific theories.
- It simplifies the research process.
- It may result in false conclusions. (correct)
In the context of evidence evaluation, why might people incorrectly believe there is a real correlation between two events?
In the context of evidence evaluation, why might people incorrectly believe there is a real correlation between two events?
What is one notable limitation of using statistical correlation to establish causation?
What is one notable limitation of using statistical correlation to establish causation?
Why is it essential to consider factors beyond statistical correlation when inferring causation?
Why is it essential to consider factors beyond statistical correlation when inferring causation?
What is the Latin term used to describe the fallacy of assuming that just because event X preceded event Y, X caused Y?
What is the Latin term used to describe the fallacy of assuming that just because event X preceded event Y, X caused Y?
In the example provided, what is the argument based on the decrease in violent crime after the implementation of longer prison sentences an example of?
In the example provided, what is the argument based on the decrease in violent crime after the implementation of longer prison sentences an example of?
Why does the author mention that many other possible causal factors need to be considered in evaluating the decrease in violent crime?
Why does the author mention that many other possible causal factors need to be considered in evaluating the decrease in violent crime?
What does the author suggest is the problem with assuming that longer prison sentences caused the decrease in violent crime?
What does the author suggest is the problem with assuming that longer prison sentences caused the decrease in violent crime?
Which type of reasoning is most likely behind superstitions, according to the text?
Which type of reasoning is most likely behind superstitions, according to the text?
What distinguishes non causa pro causa fallacy from post hoc, ergo propter hoc?
What distinguishes non causa pro causa fallacy from post hoc, ergo propter hoc?
What is the primary reason for caution when observing a correlation between two factors A and B?
What is the primary reason for caution when observing a correlation between two factors A and B?
What is the fallacy of false cause primarily related to?
What is the fallacy of false cause primarily related to?
Why is it essential to ask critical questions before concluding causality from observed correlations?
Why is it essential to ask critical questions before concluding causality from observed correlations?
In what situation does the false cause fallacy typically arise?
In what situation does the false cause fallacy typically arise?
What should a reader or listener be able to identify in an argument suspected of committing the false cause fallacy?
What should a reader or listener be able to identify in an argument suspected of committing the false cause fallacy?
Why is it important to be cautious when linking two factors through a correlation?
Why is it important to be cautious when linking two factors through a correlation?
