Ellen Vanden Broecke, Laurens Van Mulders, Ellen De Paepe, Sylvie Daminet, Lynn Vanhaecke
Optimization and validation of metabolomics methods for feline urine and serum towards application in veterinary medicine
Analytica chimica acta
correlation imply causation often observational data option even though research question hand involves causality article discusses causal inference based observational data introducing readers graphical causal models provide powerful tool thinking clearly interrelations variables topics covered include rationale behind statistical control third variables common procedures statistical control go wrong implementation certain types third variablescolliders mediatorsshould controlled actually move estimate association away value causal effect interest subtle variations harmful control include using unrepresentative samples undermine validity causal conclusions statistically controlling mediators drawing valid causal inferences basis observational data mechanistic procedure rather always depends assumptions require domain knowledge less plausible however caveat holds research based observational data empirical research endeavors