The retrospective study described in your textbook in which a nutritionist attempted to determine the effect of several vitamins and minerals on atherosclerosis is closely related to which of Mill's methods?
A) The method of difference.
B) The method of residues.
C) The method of concomitant variation.
D) The method of agreement.
E) The joint method of agreement and difference.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The joint method of agreement and difference involves comparing instances where the phenomenon under investigation occurs with instances where it does not occur, to identify which factors are consistently present when the phenomenon occurs and absent when it does not. This approach is suitable for the described retrospective study aiming to determine the effect of various vitamins and minerals on atherosclerosis, as it involves comparing different nutritional intakes to see their effects on the condition.

The Retrospective Study Described in Your Textbook in Which a Nutritionist