correlational fallacy

the fallacy that association implies causation: the practice of drawing conclusions about cause and effect based solely on observations of a relationship between variables. For example, assume a researcher found that dieters tend to weigh more than other people. If the investigator were to conclude that the diet is responsible for the additional weight, then he or she has committed a correlational fallacy.

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Psychology term of the day

December 27th 2024

psychometric test

see psychological test.