SOC200H1 Chapter Notes -Syphilis, Ecological Fallacy, Heart Failure
Document Summary
Correlation does not mean two things are found together. Three steps for showing causation: show correlation. Correlation does not mean things are bound together. The things that are correlated must vary: take on different values, called too. attributes. If only ne attribute is present in data, this isn"t a variable because it doesn"t vary. Showing correlation requires that data include variation in both variables: show time-order. This is the one we just can"t seem to get around with 100% certainty. What if 2 things vary together because they"re both caused by something else. Demonstrating spuriousness: find the correlation, hold possible source of spuriousness. Constant and look at the correlation again. You can never be sure you"ve thought of and checked everything. Experimental designs can dramatically reduce the risk of spuriousness. Exploration is the attempt to develop an initial, rough understanding of some phenomenon. To satisfy the researcher"s curiosity and desire for better understanding.