Cause and effect reasoning types – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and C cover the main patterns tested in cause–effect questions: one being cause of the other, both being independent causes of a common outcome and both being effects of a hidden common cause. Statement D is false because mere temporal closeness does not guarantee causation. Statement E is also false since some questions classify the pair as unrelated. Therefore, A, B and C only form the correct set of statements.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits C, which correctly recognises cases where two statements are joint effects of a single cause.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it adds D, which conflates temporal sequence with causation, and still lacks C.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together the three valid patterns of interpretation while excluding D and E.

Option D:
Option D is wrong since it includes E (false) and omits B (independent-cause case).