Table 1 |
|
| Principles of causality[5] | |
| 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 |
Principles marked with an * are the principles discussed in the text.
Meijer et al.
Meijer et al. BMC Medicine 2013 11:130 doi:10.1186/1741-7015-11-130
