Causation

Question 1

Causal models represent

Answer 1

Different ways of illustrating the cause of disease

Question 2

Causal models include (3)

Answer 2

-host-agent-environment triangle
-component cause model
-causal diagrams

Question 3

Component cause model includes (3)

Answer 3

-component cause
-sufficient cause
-necessary cause

Question 4

Causes and exposures can be

Answer 4

Direct or indirect

Question 5

Positive linear association is

Answer 5

If A increases, B also increases

Question 6

Negative linear association is

Answer 6

If A increases, B decreases

Question 7

Hill’s Criteria (9)

Answer 7

1. Strength
2. Consistency
3. Specificity
4. Temporality
5. Biological Gradient
6. Plausibility
7. Coherence
8. Experiment
9. Analogy

Question 8

The only criteria that is absolutely necessary in Hill’s is

Answer 8

Temporality

Question 9

Hill’s Criteria: Strength

Answer 9

A strong association is likely to be causal

Question 10

Hill’s Criteria: Consistency

Answer 10

There are consistent findings in studies using different populations / methods

Question 11

Hill’s Criteria: Specificity

Answer 11

Established when a single cause produces a specific disease

Question 12

Hill’s Criteria: Temporality

Answer 12

The cause must precede the effect (only absolutely essential criterion)

Question 13

Hill’s Criteria: Biological Gradient

Answer 13

A greater exposure should result in a greater effect

Question 14

Hill’s Criteria: Plausibility

Answer 14

The association makes biological sense based on our current understanding/knowledge/beliefs

Question 15

Hill’s Criteria: Coherence

Answer 15

Does not conflict with current scientific findings/information

Question 16

Hill’s Criteria: Experiment

Answer 16

If you change the experiment (prevention, treatment, removal) it will result in different results

Question 17

Hill’s Criteria: Analogy

Answer 17

Has a similar relationship been observed with another exposure and/or disease