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Relying on your observations requires careful professional judgment,
even when the circumstances seem to clearly point to a common-sense
conclusion. Some researchers, for example, have noted that the more
specific or localized the effects, the easier it is to identify
the cause. Other researchers disagree.
Theoretical or biological certainty varies according to the circumstances.
Sometimes, a stressor has a distinctive mode of action that suggests
its role. For example, patterns of change observed in fish and benthic
invertebrate communities could serve as indicators for different
types of anthropogenic impact (e.g., nutrient enrichment versus
toxicity).
Listed below you can see the types of criteria that would strongly
affirm causality. Try to think of an example. Click each criterion
to see discussions and examples.
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