Asked by Victoria Fischer on Apr 27, 2024

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In a hypothetical cross-sectional study,marriage was found to be strongly associated with increased levels of happiness.Authors concluded that marriage was a cause of happiness.However,a reviewer of this study argued that because it is a cross-sectional study,it could not be determined whether marriage caused happiness or happiness caused marriage.What criterion of causal relationships was not met in the study according to the reviewer?

A) Strength of association
B) Biologic plausibility
C) Dose response
D) Temporal relationship
E) Replication of findings

Cross-Sectional Study

An observational study that analyzes data from a population, or a representative subset, at a specific point in time.

Causal Relationships

The connection between two events where one is the effect of the occurrence of the other, indicating a cause-and-effect linkage.

Happiness

A state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

  • Comprehend how temporality influences the determination of causality.
  • Appreciate the significance of biological plausibility in causal inference.
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RM
Ronit MansukhaniMay 01, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
A temporal relationship cannot be assessed in a cross-sectional study; therefore it is not possible to assess whether marriage leads to happiness or happy people are more likely to get married.This criterion has to be met to establish causality.