Table 1 Principles of causality[5]
From: Depression as a non-causal variable risk marker in coronary heart disease
Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
Strength | the stronger the association, the more likely is causality* |
Consistency | the association exists in different contexts and times |
Specificity | the association is specific for the variable and one particular outcome* |
Temporality | the variable precedes the outcome* |
Dose–response relationship | an increase in the variable results in an increase in the outcome* |
Plausibility | plausible theories/mechanisms for explaining the association exist* |
Coherence | the causal theory is coherent with existing knowledge |
Experimental manipulation | manipulation of the variable results in changes in the outcome* |
Analogy | similar associations exist between different variables |