noun · academic
causation
UK/kɔːˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/US/kɔːˈzeɪʃən/cau·SA·tion
the relationship in which one thing makes another thing happen
Examples
“After adjusting for other factors, the researchers argued the data supported causation rather than mere correlation.”
“Proving causation usually requires an experimental design, not just observational data.”
“In social science it's difficult to separate causation from confounding variables.”
Band 8 sentence
“Because the trial used random assignment and long follow-up, the authors argue the findings support causation rather than mere association.”
Collocations
- establish causation
- evidence of causation
- causal relationship
Word family
Common mistakes
There is a causation between A and B.→There is a causal relationship between A and B.
The study only shows causation.→The study only shows correlation.
Say it for a higher band
5cause→6causal relationship→7+causation
Synonyms
causality
cause
Easily confused
correlation
“The study showed a correlation between screen time and sleep problems.”
Related words
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In Science & Research
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