Causation refers to the existence of "cause and effect" relationships between multiple variables.[1] Causation presumes that variables, which act in a predictable manner, can produce change in related variables and that this relationship can be deduced through direct and repeated observation.[2] Theories of causation underpin social research as it aims to deduce causal relationships between structural phenomena and individuals and explain these relationships through the application and development of theory.[3] Due to divergence amongst theoretical and methodological approaches, different theories, namely functionalism, all maintain varying conceptions on the nature of causality and causal relationships. Similarly, a multiplicity of causes have led to the distinction between necessary and sufficient causes.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)