key term - Causation

Definition

Causation refers to a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables where changes in one variable directly result in changes in another variable. Establishing causation requires rigorous evidence beyond just observing correlations.

Related terms

Independent Variable:

The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable:

The dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured or observed in an experiment and is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Experimental Design: Experimental design refers to the process of planning and conducting a scientific study or experiment to test hypotheses and establish causal relationships.