Qualitative Approximations to Causality: Non-Randomizable Factors in Clinical Psychology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Causal quests in non-randomized studies are unavoidable just because research questions are beyond doubt causal (e.g., aetiology). Large progress during the last decades has enriched the methodical toolbox.

Aims

Summary papers mainly focus on quantitative and highly formal methods. With examples from clinical psychology, we show how qualitative approaches can inform on the necessity and feasibility of quantitative analysis and may yet sometimes approximate causal answers.

Results

Qualitative use is hidden in some quantitative methods. For instance, it may yet suffice to know the direction of bias for a tentative causal conclusion. Counterfactuals clarify what causal effects of changeable factors are, unravel what is required for a causal answer, but do not

SUBMITTER: Hofler M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9667127 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature