Determining whether associations are causal relies not only on statistics but also on what other factor?

Determining whether associations are causal involves more than just statistical analysis; it requires a scientific judgment that encompasses the context of the data being examined. Scientific judgment involves applying critical thinking and experience to interpret the results of statistical findings, considering the plausibility of a causal relationship based on the background knowledge of the subject area.

For instance, even if a statistical association is found, scientific judgment helps in evaluating whether the relationship makes sense logically and causally and whether it can be explained by other factors or mechanisms. This holistic approach helps forensic analysts and researchers avoid misinterpretations of data that may arise from mere statistical correlations, which do not always imply causation.

Other factors, like statistical power and sample size, contribute to the reliability of the data collected but do not inherently provide the causal understanding necessary to determine the nature of the relationships observed. Empirical evidence is essential in supporting scientific claims, yet it must be interpreted through the lens of scientific judgment to draw accurate conclusions regarding causality.