Question

Explain the value of pattern and parsimony in attempting to establish causal links in correlational findings

Answer 1

Pattern and Parsimony: When a variety of correlational findings establish a single cause-effect relationship then that is a case of pattern and parsimony. Parsimony means the degree to which one scientific theory explains a few phenomenon. The parsimonious causal explanation is formed when the findings draw a particular pattern on the same cause.

For example: FInding of a correlation between eating junk food on a regular basis and gaining weight. Although it is evident that intake of junk food on a regular basis would lead to weight gain, however in research it needs to be proved. In order to prove that it is only the intake of junk food and not any other factor that is leading to weight gain, a parsimonious study needs to be done. This is because experimenting it on people would be unethical and it might have harmful effects on them after or while the experimentation is going on. Hence, the researcher needs to study previous researches and draw patterns to find the connection. These patterns would then narrow down to form one parsimonious causal relationship and the research would be established.

It is significant to note here that, while conducting research on the basis of pattern and parsimony, one should cite all the studies that the researcher has taken into consideration while drawing the patterns. This would make the research valid, authentic and reliable.