How do directionality and the third variable problem hamper our assessment of causation?
What will be an ideal response?
Directionality refers to an inability to see which of two variables is the cause and which is the effect. The third variable problem refers to the fact that, even though two variables are correlated, a third variable might be the cause. In correlational studies, we cannot logically tell the direction of causation; we also may not be able to spot a third variable that might really be causal.
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The system that occurs when a group seeks to influence public policy by allying with other groups is called tyranny
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
The United Nations Security Council approves of armed intervention in a failing state that is unable to ensure that its citizens stay safe from harm. This is an example of what?
A) Crimes against humanity B) International civil society C) Populist revolution D) Responsibility to protect E) Restorative justice
Critics of social welfare spending have long argued that antipoverty policies
A) made poverty more attractive by removing incentives to work. B) would be more successful if they were provided with better funding. C) had been generally successful, but had not lived up to their promise and therefore should be discontinued. D) fail because of bureaucratic cultures that oppose them. E) would achieve most of their goals, given the proper amount of time to work.
Which of the following was NOT a major criticism of the government created by the Articles of Confederation?
a. It limited freedom of the press, frequently arresting newspaper editors who printed stories critical of the government. b. It lacked the power to regulate commerce among the states. c. It lacked the power to collect taxes from individuals, having to rely instead on contributions from the states. d. It lacked the power to prevent states from printing worthless currency. e. It lacked the power to create a standing army.