Flaw Questions - Causation vs. Correlation

rbz_12345rbz_12345 Core Member
in Logical Reasoning 17 karma

Anyone have advice on determining when a flaw question has jumped from a correlation to a cause and effect argument? Each flaw question I do with correlation and causation in the mix, I never can identify when the AC is 'infers cause from mere correlation'. Any help is appreciated! :)

Comments

  • canihazJDcanihazJD Core Member Sage ⭐
    8502 karma

    Drill those questions and pay attention to the correlative language. You have to be able to pick up when they are giving you a correlative relationship, then you can anticipate the causal conclusion.

    red cars tend to get into more accidents
    a recent study shows those who live near power lines have a higher than average rate of cancer
    every time I walk outside it starts to rain
    ...and so on.

    There is a list of some of them here: https://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/29425/flaw-types-with-example-questions-redux-2021-pandemic-cycle-version

    Under "5) Causation confusions"

    Also something to watch for on harder questions: it is also a flaw to ignore a correlation. In other words correlation ≠ causation, but also correlation ≠ not causation.

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