causal ambiguity

a situation in which it is not known which one (or which set) of several phenomena is the cause of a particular effect. Sometimes the ambiguity attaches to the more complex question of which phenomena are causes and which are effects (see reverse causality). Controlled empirical research is often used to resolve issues of causal ambiguity.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

social degeneracy

a condition in which social structures and behavioral norms no longer function constructively.