In defense of "lineal causality"

Correlation and CausationStatistical tests can calculate whether there is a relationship, or correlation, between independent and dependent variables. A relationship between variables shows correlation, but it does not show cause-and-effect. A direct cause-and-effect relationship requires additional controlled experiments. If no consistent relationship exists between the variables, then there is no correlation.Correlation versus CausationIf the dependent variable increases or decreases when the...

Linearity is a system property characterized by a direct input-output relationship, combining homogeneity and additivity.
Homogeneity dictates that if an input x(t) is multiplied by a constant c, the output y(t) is multiplied by the same constant. Mathematically, this is expressed as:

A system is linear if it displays the characteristics of homogeneity and additivity, together termed the superposition property. This principle is fundamental in all linear systems. Linear time-invariant (LTI) systems include systems with linear elements and constant parameters.
The input-output behavior of an LTI system can be fully defined by its response to an impulsive excitation at its input. Once this impulse response is known, the system's reaction to any other input can be calculated...

The Bradford Hill criteria serve as guidelines for establishing causative links in epidemiological research. Beyond Strength, Consistency, Specificity, and Temporality, key criteria also include Biological Gradient, Plausibility, Coherence, Experiment, and Analogy. These principles assist scientists in assessing the likelihood of causation in complex biological contexts. Below is a summary of these concepts:

Causality or causation is a fundamental concept in epidemiology, vital for understanding the relationships between various factors and health outcomes. Despite its importance, there's no single, universally accepted definition of causality within the discipline. Drawing from a systematic review, causality in epidemiology encompasses several definitions, including production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic models. Each has its strengths and...

The Bradford Hill criteria are a group of principles that provide a framework to determine a causal relationship between a specific factor and a disease. There are nine criteria that are pivotal in assessing causality in epidemiological studies. Here's a closer look at Strength, Consistency, Specificity, and Temporality criteria with definitions and examples: