Problems with using criteria for casual inference
(Adapted from "Epidemiology, An Introduction", Kenneth Rothman, 2002)
| Criterion | Problems with the Criterion |
|---|---|
| Strength | Strength depends on the prevalence of other causes of disease present in the population, and therefore is not a biologic characteristic. |
| Consistency | There are plausible reasons for not seeing consistent results, and these exceptions are best seen with hindsight. |
| Specificity | A cause can have many effects. |
| Temporality | Although this is thought to be the only true causal criterion, it can be difficult to establish. |
| Biologic gradient | A relationship between and exposure and outcome that has a threshold would not show a progressive effect. |
| Plausibility | Too subjective. |
| Coherence | Vague and very similar to plausibility. |
| Experimental evidence | Not always available or feasible. |
| Analogy | Analogies abound. |
