Claim causality with clarity.

Abstract

Abstract Causal inference has attracted enormous attention in clinical neuroscience over the past years. The correct communication and interpretation of causal claims is crucial for the researchers. In this review, we briefly introduced the statistical basis for causal inference in terms of the potential outcome framework and distinguished the different interpretations in experimental and observational studies. Based on the recent efforts in formulating neuroscience research into a causal framework, we provide four recommendations to facilitate better communication of open and reproducible causal inference research.