C1nounformalacademicphilosophy
US/kɑːˈzeɪ.ʃən/
UK/kɔːˈzeɪ.ʃən/
the process of one thing directly causing another; the link between a cause and its effect
In context
In statistics, remember that correlation does not prove causation.
The study found a link but could not establish causation.
Philosophers like Hume asked whether we can ever observe causation directly.
Words that go with causation
verb + noun
- establish causationIt is very hard to establish causation in social science.
- prove causationOne small survey cannot prove causation.
noun + noun
- correlation and causationStudents should learn the difference between correlation and causation.
adjective + noun
- direct causationThere is no evidence of direct causation between video games and violence.
noun + preposition
- chain of causationThe lawyer tried to show a clear chain of causation.