There are three widely accepted preconditions to establish causality: first, that the variables are associated; second, that the independent variable precedes the dependent variable in temporal order; and third, that all possible alternative explanations for the relationship have been accounted for and dismissed.

What are the 3 criteria for causality?

There are three conditions for causality: covariation, temporal precedence, and control for “third variables.” The latter comprise alternative explanations for the observed causal relationship.

What is the best way to establish causality?

To establish causality you need to show three things–that X came before Y, that the observed relationship between X and Y didn't happen by chance alone, and that there is nothing else that accounts for the X -> Y relationship.