Distinguishing Association from Causation:A Background for Journalists
 "The purpose of this report is to provide insight into how to use the methods of science itself to help distinguish association from causation. The report will address such questions as
- What kinds of studies provide evidence for causation?
- What criteria can be used to assess whether an association is causal?
- What kinds of factors other than a causal relationship might be responsible for an association between an exposure and a health effect?
To address these complex issues, it is necessary to understand the different types of studies that may link a factor with a health effect and the methods, such as statistical analysis and peer review, that scientists use to judge the validity of a new research finding."[Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science]
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