Author Question: Which of the statements below best illustrates the temporal criterion needed for a causal ... (Read 84 times)

Kthamas · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Which of the statements below best illustrates the temporal criterion needed for a causal relationship?

A) Skin cancer occurs because of genetic predisposition.
B) Kidney disease develops as a result of pesticide exposure.
C) Hepatitis C occurs in populations with substance abuse histories.
D) Following vaccination for varicella, rates of varicella infection are lower.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best illustrates causality?

A) Individuals who have suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) are at higher risk for a second MI within the next 5 years.
B) Prolonged sun exposure is associated with higher rates of skin cancer.
C) Hiatal hernias are diagnosed more frequently in elderly individuals.
D) Taking time away from work leads to fewer stress-related illnesses.

mochi09 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
A cause must precede an effect in time. The answer Following vaccination for varicella, rates of varicella infection are lower best establishes that the suspected cause (vaccination) comes before the observed effect (decrease in varicella infection rates)..

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
The statement, Prolonged sun exposure is associated with higher rates of skin cancer best illustrates causality. The other statements involve a greater likelihood that multiple variables could explain the effect, whereas the link between prolonged sun exposure and skin cancer is much stronger.