Can survey data conclusively determine that one thing causes another?

The assertion that survey data cannot conclusively determine that one thing causes another is accurate because correlation does not imply causation. Survey data can reveal relationships and associations between variables, but it often lacks the necessary controls to establish a definitive cause-and-effect dynamic. Surveys typically reflect perceptions, opinions, and behaviors at a specific point in time, making it difficult to determine whether one factor directly influences another without accounting for other variables that could be at play.

In many cases, other methodologies, such as controlled experiments, are required to draw conclusions about causality. These controlled experiments allow researchers to manipulate one variable while keeping others constant, thereby isolating the specific effects of that variable. Since survey data often involves a range of uncontrolled influences, it is limited in its ability to provide conclusive evidence for causation. This highlights the importance of complementing survey findings with additional research methods to understand the complexity of relationships between variables.