Flip it. Which is cause and which is effect?
July 15, 2008
Here’s a good example of an association being interpreted as cause and effect.
In a Japanese study, an active lifestyle (exercise plus work) was associated with lower incidence of cancer.
The researchers concluded that physical activity decreased risk of cancer.
There’s another possibility. Maybe the people with increased risk of cancer for some other unknown reason are less likely to be active.
See the difference?
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