Assessing the role of evidence of mechanisms in causal extrapolation

Theoria: Revista de Teoría, Historia y Fundamentos de la Ciencia 36 (2):211-228 (2021)
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Abstract

Extrapolation of causal claims from study populations to other populations of interest is a problematic issue. The standard approach in experimental research, which prioritises randomized controlled trials and statistical evidence, is not devoid of difficulties. Granted that, it has been defended that evidence of mechanisms is indispensable for causal extrapolation. We argue, contrarily, that this sort of evidence is not indispensable. Nonetheless, we also think that occasionally it may be helpful. In order to clarify its relevance, we introduce a distinction between a positive and a negative role of evidence of mechanisms. Our conclusion is that the former is highly questionable, but the latter may be a trustworthy resource for causal extrapolation.

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Author Profiles

Saúl Pérez-González
Universitat de Valencia
Valeriano Iranzo
Universitat de Valencia

Citations of this work

Evidence of mechanisms in evidence-based policy.Saúl Pérez-González - 2024 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A 103 (C):95-104.

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