Fallacy - the Counterfeit of Argument

[cdmackay]

(08-31-2019 03:53 PM)Thomas Okken Wrote:  […] or A and B both being caused by some other variable C, that is a different question.

Yes, that's the vital bit, that is often missed…

e.g. the data shows that people living in area X are more likely to develop disease Y.

Is that because there's something about area X that is causing disease Y, e.g. some chemical plant emitting noxious gas?

Or perhaps area X has a higher-proportion of lower-income people, lacks facilities, and has a lower level of public health in general, and disease Y is a consequence of that?

Or even a combination of the two, and many other factors.

Stats is (relatively) easy; interpreting stats correctly, not so easy.