The C-Word: Scientific Euphemisms Do Not Improve Causal Inference From Observational Data
Abstract
Causal inference is a core task of science. However, authors and editors often refrain from explicitly acknowledging the causal goal of research projects; they refer to causal effect estimates as associational estimates. This commentary argues that using the term “causal” is necessary to improve the quality of observational research. Specifically, being explicit about the causal objective of a study reduces ambiguity in the scientific question,...
Paper Details
Title
The C-Word: Scientific Euphemisms Do Not Improve Causal Inference From Observational Data
Published Date
May 1, 2018
Volume
108
Issue
5
Pages
616 - 619
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