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A common problem with some scientific research, particularly projects studying human health, is that it is often difficult, if not impossible, to prove that a specific action directly
causes an effect. For example, scientists have found that
those who smoke cigarettes also are more likely to suffer
from depression. However, scientists cannot uniquely determine whether smoking directly causes depressive symptoms, or if those with depression are more likely to cause
health damaging behaviors, including smoking.
Now, Wolfgang Wiedermann, a quantitative psychology and assistant professor in the University of Missouri College of Education, and Alexander von
Eye, a quantitative methodologist at Michigan State University, have developed a new statistical technique that can help scientists determine causation
of effects they are studying. Wiedermann says this method can help scientists advance research that otherwise would stall out in its early phases.
"It is a limitation of observational studies, such as the smoking and depression example, that scientists can only find links and correlations between actions and effects," Wiedermann said. "Often, this is due to ethical boundaries
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The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Missouri-Columbia. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
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Chicago
University of Missouri-Columbia. "New statistical approach will help researchers better determine cause-effect: Research will advance faster." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 June 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases
/2016/06/160621155002.htm>.
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