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Reverse causation

Mistaking the direction of a causal relationship.

Published 04 August 2026Updated 04 August 2026

Reverse causation occurs when an observed relationship is explained as A causing B even though B may cause A. Time order, intervention evidence, and competing causal models help determine which direction is supported.

Sources

Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools

Cochrane / 2023 / Website

Bias assessment reference for evidence review.