CAUSAL-INFERENCE5 MIN READ
Association Is a Lead, Not a Verdict
Pressure-test an association before using causal language in a recommendation.
Principle: Match the strength of the verb to the strength of the design. Timing The cause must come before the outcome, with a plausible delay. Alternatives Look for selection, common causes, seasonality, and reverse causation. Mechanism Name the behavioral path from action to metric. Pattern Replication, dose-response, and coherence make a causal story more credible, but they do not replace design.
Read the full lesson
Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.
Already have an account? Sign in