Cause and Effect
Identify causal relationships
Cause and Effect is a logical reasoning topic that tests your ability to identify the relationship between two statements or events. You must determine whether one statement is the cause of another, or if they share a common cause, or if they are independent occurrences.
Key Concepts
I is the Cause and II is the Effect
When the first statement (I) directly leads to or results in the second statement (II). The cause always precedes the effect in time. For example: 'The roads were waterlogged due to heavy rainfall' (Cause) -> 'Traffic moved at a snail's pace' (Effect).
II is the Cause and I is the Effect
When the second statement (II) is the reason behind the first statement (I). The order is reversed from what appears. For example: 'The company reported record profits' (Effect) -> 'The marketing campaign was highly successful' (Cause).
Both Statements are Effects of Independent Causes
When the two statements are independent events that happen to occur together, but neither causes the other. They may share a common underlying factor or be completely unrelated. For example: 'The stock market crashed' and 'There was a drought in the region' - both could be effects of a global economic crisis or could be completely unrelated.
Both Statements are Effects of Some Common Cause
When both statements result from the same underlying cause that is not explicitly mentioned. The statements are related but neither causes the other. For example: 'The school remained closed' and 'All examinations were postponed' - both are effects of heavy flooding in the city.
Both Statements are Independent Causes
When each statement is a cause in itself, potentially leading to some common effect that is not mentioned. Both are initiating factors for outcomes not stated in the problem. For example: 'Government reduced taxes' and 'Interest rates were lowered' - both are causes that could independently stimulate economic growth.
Chronological and Logical Analysis
Always check the time sequence - a cause must precede its effect. Also verify the logical connection - there should be a plausible mechanism linking cause to effect. Be wary of coincidental relationships where two events occur together but have no causal link.
Solved Examples
Problem 1:
Statements:
I. The government has increased the minimum support price for wheat.
II. Farmers are growing more wheat this season.
Solution:
Answer: I is the cause and II is the effect.
Step 1: Analyze Statement I - Government increasing MSP means farmers get better prices.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II - Farmers growing more wheat indicates an incentive.
Step 3: Check chronology - MSP increase announcement comes before planting decisions.
Step 4: Check logical connection - Higher MSP provides financial incentive, directly causing increased cultivation.
Step 5: Conclusion - Statement I (cause) -> Statement II (effect).
Problem 2:
Statements:
I. The company announced mass layoffs.
II. The company's profits declined by 40% last quarter.
Solution:
Answer: II is the cause and I is the effect.
Step 1: Analyze Statement I - Mass layoffs are a response to some problem.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II - Profit decline indicates financial stress.
Step 3: Check chronology - Profit decline happens first, triggering cost-cutting measures.
Step 4: Check logical connection - Declining profits force companies to reduce workforce to cut costs.
Step 5: Conclusion - Statement II (cause) -> Statement I (effect).
Problem 3:
Statements:
I. The city experienced unprecedented rainfall.
II. All outdoor sporting events were cancelled.
Solution:
Answer: I is the cause and II is the effect.
Step 1: Analyze Statement I - Heavy rainfall is a natural event causing disruption.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II - Cancellation of outdoor events is a response to conditions.
Step 3: Check chronology - Rainfall occurs first, then events are cancelled.
Step 4: Check logical connection - Heavy rain makes outdoor sports impossible/unsafe, forcing cancellations.
Step 5: Conclusion - Statement I (cause) -> Statement II (effect).
Problem 4:
Statements:
I. The prices of electronic goods have risen sharply.
II. Global semiconductor shortage has affected manufacturing.
Solution:
Answer: II is the cause and I is the effect.
Step 1: Analyze Statement I - Price rise is typically a response to supply constraints.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II - Semiconductor shortage affects electronics production.
Step 3: Check chronology - Shortage occurs first, leading to reduced supply and higher prices.
Step 4: Check logical connection - Reduced supply from chip shortage creates scarcity, driving prices up.
Step 5: Conclusion - Statement II (cause) -> Statement I (effect).
Tips & Strategies
- Always check the time sequence -- a cause must happen before its effect. If II happened before I, then II could be the cause.
- Look for logical mechanisms -- there must be a plausible explanation for how the cause leads to the effect.
- Be careful not to assume causation from correlation -- just because two events occur together doesn't mean one caused the other.
- When both statements appear to be consequences of the same underlying event, choose 'common cause'.
- If the statements describe two separate, unrelated events, choose 'independent causes' or 'effects of independent causes'.
- Read carefully -- sometimes the order of statements in the question is reversed from the actual cause-effect relationship.
- Eliminate options by asking: Could I happen without II? Could II happen without I? This helps identify true dependencies.
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