Cause and effect reasoning – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and E are correct, while D and F are false. Causal reasoning does seek contributing factors, post hoc identifies a common fallacy based on mere sequence, and controlled comparison helps isolate causal variables. Exam questions often ask which explanation best accounts for observed facts, which is captured in E. D is wrong because temporal order alone does not prove causation, and F is wrong because correlation does not automatically establish a causal link. Thus A, B, C and E only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, overlooking the way UGC NET uses cause and effect items to test evaluative skills. Although A, B and C are conceptually sound, they do not reflect this exam context. Hence A, B and C only cannot be chosen.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it drops A, failing to state what causal reasoning tries to do in general. Having only B, C and E leaves out the overall idea of causation itself. This omission makes the option conceptually weaker than the full set of correct statements.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it unites the description of causal inquiry, a classic fallacy, a methodological tool and the exam style of questioning. By excluding D and F, it also protects against common confusions between sequence, correlation and causation. Therefore this option fits both theory and practice.

Option D:
Option D is wrong because it includes D, which absurdly claims that temporal succession always suffices for causation, and omits C’s point about controlled comparison. Accepting D leads to many false causal attributions. So A, B, D and E only is not a valid answer.