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Being honest with causal language in writing for publication.

D. Thapa,D. Visentin,2 Authors,M. Cleary

2020 · DOI: 10.1111/jan.14311
Journal of Advanced Nursing · 29 Citations

TLDR

Language implying unsupported causal relationships may overstate the evidence-base, especially if accepted by uncritical readers or unwitting members of the general public who may not understand how to interpret inferential statistics.

Abstract

The misleading use of causal language in publication is problematic for authors, reviewers, and consumers of the information. Published research in quality journals has important knowledge implications and it is, therefore, contingent on authors to use language that is accurate and appropriate to their work. Language implying unsupported causal relationships may overstate the evidence-base, especially if accepted by uncritical readers or unwitting members of the general public who may not understand how to interpret inferential statistics.