A behavioral scientist will usually accept which condition for a variable to be labeled a cause? The variable is the cause if its presence is
A) intuitive.
B) observable.
C) necessary and sufficient.
D) neither necessary nor sufficient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A necessary and sufficient condition is generally accepted by behavioral scientists for a variable to be considered a cause. This means that the variable must be both present and necessary for the outcome to occur, and if it is absent, the outcome will not happen. Without this criterion, it is difficult to establish a causal relationship between two variables. Intuitive and observable conditions are not sufficient to identify a cause. A variable can be observable without being causal, and what may seem intuitive may not necessarily be a cause. Additionally, a variable may be neither necessary nor sufficient, making it ambiguous as a causal factor.

A Behavioral Scientist Will Usually Accept Which Condition for a Variable