Causal Reasoning

Causal reasoning is a broad term used to refer to thinking that depends upon or aims to uncover a causal relationship between entities, events, or processes. It moves beyond the process of discerning patterns or covariation by looking for mechanisms that explain why two or more entities are related. Science often describes patterns – that something is connected, relates, or covaries with something else. It also seeks to define the reasons why particular patterns exist and this invites reasoning about mechanism – a key aspect of causal explanation. Human beings are sense-makers from an early age. Understanding the regularities in our world and knowing what accounts for them enable prediction and afford a sense of psychological control. An understanding of causality and its differences from correlation is therefore a central matter for science education.

When reference is made to causal reasoning, people often think about the ability to reason in particular ways. However, engaging in...