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MENTAL MODEL · M7713

Method of Concomitant Variation

Method of Concomitant Variation
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Updated 2026-08-10

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

One of John Stuart Mill's five methods of experimental inquiry. The core proposition is that when a change in one factor is consistently accompanied by a corresponding change in another, the pattern supports a causal link, and the strength of the pattern lies in the quantitative relationship rather than in mere presence or absence. The key qualification is that concomitant variation alone cannot rule out a third factor driving both, so it identifies a candidate relationship rather than establishing causation.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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- Gradient check: look for dose-response patterns rather than simple presence or absence. - Confounder control: identify third factors that could move both variables together. - Threshold note: record where the relationship changes shape or stops holding.

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A genuine causal relationship tends to produce graded effects, because more of the cause yields more of the effect. Observing that gradation is therefore stronger evidence than observing that two things co-occur, since mere co-occurrence is easily produced by a shared cause. The same reasoning explains the limitation, since a common driver moving both variables produces an equally regular gradation.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill%27s_methodsZH · Explicit
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