Cause and Effect

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Cause and Effect

• by Laurie G. Kirszner Stephan R. Mandell

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Cause and Effect

• Analyzes why something happens
• Either examine causes
• or
• describes effects
• or
• both

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Cause and Effect

1. Causality links situations and events
2. Cause and Effect Analysis explains why something
   happened, is happening, or will happen.
3. Cause and Effect Relationships are muddy,
   complex, and convoluted.
4. To claim a relationship, evidence is needed for
   support.
5. Could have several causes or effects

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Main and Contributory

• Main Cause is the most important
• Contributory is the least important

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Immediate or Remote

• Immediate cause closely precedes an effect and is
  therefore relatively easy to recognize.
• Remote cause is farther away
• (space or time)

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Causal Chain

1. A causes B, B causes C, C causes D
2. Leaving out any link in the chain, or putting any
   link in improper order, destroys the logic and
   continuity of the chain.
3. Causal chain suggest an order for an essay

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Post Hoc Reasoning

1. Just because A preceded B does not mean that A
   caused B.
2. Spontaneous Generation
3. Female Centenarian
4. It is neither logical nor fair to assume that a
   causal relationship exists unless clear, strong
   evidence supports your connection.

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Thesis

1. Thesis should identify the relationships among
   the specific causes or effects you will discuss.
2. Issues
3. Position
4. Emphasis on causes, effects, or both

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Order

• Chronological
• Main cause first then contributory
• Positive then negative, or visa-versa
• Dismissing non-causes then explaining the real
  causes
• Most obvious then least obvious