Causation, Theory, and Policy in the Social Sciences

Bibliographic Data

ID23661770
AuthorsMark C Stafford (Texas State University), Daniel P Mears (0000-0001-8594-5350, Florida State University)
Year2015
Pages1-14
Publication date2015-05-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeOTHER
VenueEmerging Trends in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (JOURNAL)
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/9781118900772.etrds0034
OpenAlexW1541959217
ISBN9781118900772
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited37

Despite a penchant for constructing and testing causal theories, social scientists frequently avoid explicit discussion of causal issues. Illustrating with criminological literature, we argue that attention to particular causal issues will improve theory and theory testing and provide a more systematic basis for identifying policy applications. Our argument centers on a discussion of: (i) causal versus spurious effects, (ii) independent versus shared causes, (iii) reversible versus irreversible causes, including symmetric versus asymmetric causes, (iv) basic versus superficial causes, and (v) causal heterogeneity among different populations, units of comparisons, including spatial units, and types of behavior. We further suggest how researchers and policymakers can benefit from consideration of causal issues.

Argument (complex analysis) · Causal analysis · Causal decision theory · Causal inference · Causal model · Causal theory of reference · Causality (physics) · Causation · Econometrics · Economics · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Positive economics · Spurious relationship · Advanced Causal Inference Techniques · Computer Science · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Mathematics · Medicine · Philosophy · Psychology · Survey Sampling and Estimation Techniques

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