reverse causality

the common error of mistaking cause for effect and vice versa. Asking whether an event or condition considered to be the cause of a phenomenon might in reality be its effect can be a useful check against preconceptions and generate fresh, challenging ideas. For example, the poverty of Mr. X may be seen as an effect of his financial irresponsibility, but what if this presumed irresponsibility is in fact an effect of his poverty? Considering a reversed causality is also a useful strategy for dealing with correlational data. See also false cause; historical fallacy.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

five-factor personality model (FFM)

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