社会的研究的方法因果的关系本质.ppt

Chapter 3 The Causal Relationship  The Logic of Nomothetic Explanation In this model, we try to find independent variables that account for the variations in a given phenomenon This contrasts with the idiographic model in which we seek a complete, in-depth understanding of a single case  Criteria for nomothetic Causality 1. A statistical correlation between the two variables 2. The cause takes place before the effect 3. There is no third variable that can explain away the observed correlation as spurous  Correlation a relationship between two variables such that changes in one are associated with changes in the other particular attributes of one variable are associated with particular attributes of the other Correlation in and of itself does not constitute a causal relationship between the two variables, but it is one criterion of causality  Spurious Relationships Relationships that aren't genuine A coincidental statistical correlation between two variables, shown to be caused by some third variable