Cause and Effect

1. Cause and Effect

2. causes must always precede effects • causality • involves more than sequence • explains why something happened • can predict what probably will happen

3. true causality involves two criteria • necessary cause- and event that usually makes the same effect happen and without which the event cannot happen • Ex.: If you turn the key in your ignition, your car will usually start; if you don’t turn the key, the car won’t start • sufficient cause- an event that is enough in itself to make the effect happen • Ex.: Turning the ignition key is necessary to start the car, but it is not sufficient by itself, you must also press down on the accelerator.

6. You may have identified several causes of an effect, and often all are necessary. However, one may be more important than the others. It is called the main cause. The others are contributory causes.

7. Causes can also be immediate or remote. An immediate cause closely precedes an event and is easy to identify. A remote cause is less obvious because it takes place further in the past, and perhaps farther away as well. Overlooking a remote cause means you are producing an oversimplified and illogical analysis.

9. Before you start to write, you have to decide whether you will be finding causes or predicting effects. Sometimes, you will do both in one essay. Think about your topic and choose the option that will be easier for you. Look at your chart that analyzed your topic. Ask yourself whether it was easier to fill in the “effect” box or the “cause” boxes. After you have decided which approach to take, then you can formulate your thesis statement.

10. Your thesis statementshould tell your readers three things: - the points you will consider, - the position you will take, - whether you will be predicting causes or finding effects.

11. Sample thesis statement: “Although society’s increasing acceptance of the mentally ill, the high cost of in-patient care, and the rise in the number of health professionals have all been influential in reducing the population of state mental hospitals, the most important cause of this reduction is the development and use of psychotropic drugs.” The plan for this paper would be: Pgh 1: thesis Pgh 2: increased acceptance of mentally ill Pgh 3: high cost of in-patient care Pgh 4: rise in number of health professionals Pgh 5: development/use of psy. drugs Pgh 6: conclusion

12. Sample Thesis Statement: “Moving children from a highly structured classroom to a relatively open one is likely to encourage more independent play, more flexibility in forming friendship groups, and ultimately more creativity.” The plan for this paper would be: Pgh 1: thesis Pgh 2: more independent play Pgh 3: more flexibility in friendships Pgh 4: more creativity Pgh 5: conclusion