The Taboo Against Explicit Causal Inference in Nonexperimental Psychology.
Perspect Psychol Sci
; 15(5): 1243-1255, 2020 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32727292
ABSTRACT
Causal inference is a central goal of research. However, most psychologists refrain from explicitly addressing causal research questions and avoid drawing causal inference on the basis of nonexperimental evidence. We argue that this taboo against causal inference in nonexperimental psychology impairs study design and data analysis, holds back cumulative research, leads to a disconnect between original findings and how they are interpreted in subsequent work, and limits the relevance of nonexperimental psychology for policymaking. At the same time, the taboo does not prevent researchers from interpreting findings as causal effects-the inference is simply made implicitly, and assumptions remain unarticulated. Thus, we recommend that nonexperimental psychologists begin to talk openly about causal assumptions and causal effects. Only then can researchers take advantage of recent methodological advances in causal reasoning and analysis and develop a solid understanding of the underlying causal mechanisms that can inform future research, theory, and policymakers.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Psicologia
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Pesquisa
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Causalidade
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Estudos Observacionais como Assunto
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article