The C-Word: Scientific Euphemisms Do Not Improve Causal Inference From Observational Data

作者：Miguel Ángel Hernán · 发表于：American Journal of Public Health · 年份：2018 · DOI：10.2105/ajph.2018.304337 · 被引用次数：613 · 研究领域：Advanced Causal Inference Techniques、Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life、Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Causal inference is a core task of science. However, authors and editors often refrain from explicitly acknowledging the causal goal of research projects; they refer to causal effect estimates as associational estimates. This commentary argues that using the term "causal" is necessary to improve the quality of observational research. Specifically, being explicit about the causal objective of a study reduces ambiguity in the scientific question, errors in the data analysis, and excesses in the interpretation of the results.