Troiana Prompt Library · Claude · Research

Reason about causation versus correlation

Work out honestly whether your data can support the causal claim being made.

What this prompt helps you do

An assessment of the causal claim, the alternative explanations, the confounds, and what would establish causation.

When to use it

A correlation has been found and is already being described as a cause.

What to prepare

The goal, relevant source material, constraints, examples, and the decision or action this should support.

How to get a strong result

Name the specific confound rather than noting that confounds exist; unnamed, it will be dismissed.

How to use this prompt

Replace each placeholder with accurate context. Paste the complete prompt into Claude, review the response critically, resolve important questions, and use it as a considered input to the next decision—not as an unchecked final answer.

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