Meeting counterfactual causality criteria is not the problem

Behav Brain Sci. 2023 Sep 11:46:e195. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X22002138.

Abstract

Counterfactual causal interpretations of family genetic effects are appropriate, but neglect an important feature: Provision of unique information about expected outcomes following an independent decision, such as a decision to intervene. Counterfactual causality criteria are unlikely to resolve controversies about behavioral genetic findings; such controversies are likely to continue until counterfactual inferences are translated into interventional hypotheses and designs.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Causality
  • Family*
  • Genetics*
  • Humans