Explain why it is not possible to assume that a correlation must indicate causation. Relate this to the correlation of depression with the depletion of neurotransmitters

This sounds do confusing! Anyone can help me?


Answer: In interpreting any correlation, there are always two alternative explanations. Reverse causality means that if X and Y are correlated, X could cause Y but Y might also cause X. The third variable problem means that the correlation between X and Y could be explained by their joint relation with some unmeasured factor. Thus, even if there is a correlation between depression and the depletion of neurotransmitters, it is possible that the depletion causes the depression, but it is also possible that the depression causes the depletion. Moreover, both the depression and the depletion could come about as the result of stress.

Psychology

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