What are the 7 issues that need to be addressed in defining the concept of causation as it applies to phenomena studied by psychologists?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The seven issues that need to be addressed in defining the concept of causation in psychology are:
- Temporal Precedence: This issue addresses the need for the cause to occur before the effect. For a relationship to be causal, the independent variable must precede the dependent variable in time.
- Covariation of Cause and Effect: This requires that when the cause occurs, the effect must also occur. In other words, the cause and effect should vary together. If the cause is present, the effect should be present, and if the cause is absent, the effect should be absent as well.
- Non-Spuriousness: To establish causality, the relationship between the cause and effect should not be due to some third variable or confounding factor. A spurious relationship is one where the observed correlation between two variables is caused by an external factor, not by any direct relationship between them.
- Mechanism: A clear causal pathway or mechanism must explain how the cause leads to the effect. Without a plausible mechanism or process connecting the cause to the effect, causality cannot be confidently established.
- Contextual Factors: Understanding the context in which the cause operates is essential. Causality may not hold in different situations, populations, or environments. Psychologists need to consider whether the causal relationship is generalizable across various contexts.
- Directionality: This issue involves understanding the direction of the causal relationship. It helps clarify whether variable A causes variable B or vice versa, or whether both variables affect each other reciprocally.
- Experimental Control: Causality is best determined through controlled experiments where researchers manipulate the independent variable and observe the effect on the dependent variable, ensuring no extraneous variables influence the results.
In summary, to define causation in psychology, these issues must be carefully considered and addressed to rule out alternative explanations and confirm a direct, meaningful causal relationship.