Ask a Librarian 24/7
What is Cause and Effect?
A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult.
Cause and Effect by Shmoop
Just because one thing happens after another doesn't mean the first thing caused the second. That is the basic principle of cause and effect. Using cause and effect in an essay can be a great way to show how a situation has progressed. Or it can produce anticipation for the conclusion of an event. You can use cause and effect in this video as well. Cause: You watch this video. Effect: You'll be our best friend 4EVA. (We promise we don't say that to everybody.) Credit: Shmoop
The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing
-
The purpose of the cause-and-effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related.
-
The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.
-
The cause-and-effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:
-
Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.
-
Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.
-
-
Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause-and-effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena.
-
Phrases of causation are helpful in signaling links between various elements in the essay.
-
10.8 Cause and Effect - Writing a Cause-and-Effect EssayChoose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause-and-effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.
-
The Causal Analysis EssayIs an essay probes the why of specific actions, events, attitudes, and/or conditions and then examines the effect of specific consequences
Cause & Effect Databases & Statistics Websites
-
Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new window
-
CQ Researcher (Sage) This link opens in a new window
-
Academic OneFile (Gale) This link opens in a new window
-
Global Issues (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window
-
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window
-
Science (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window
-
Global Road Warrior (World Trade Press) This link opens in a new window
-
Issues & Controversies (Infobase) This link opens in a new window
Statistics Websites:
Statistics can potentially be great for cause or effect. Here are some top sites for statistics.
Courtesy: COM Library
Statistics Websites
-
Census.govThe Census Bureau is dedicated to providing current facts and figures about America’s people, places, and economy.
-
Data and Statistics About the U.S.Find data about the U.S., such as demographic and economic data, population, and maps. Get information about the 2020 U.S. Census.
-
GlobalStatGlobalStat contributes to a better understanding of the interrelations between human living conditions and globalisation trends. In this way focusing on the economic, environmental, political, social, societal and cultural performance of nations, GlobalStat supports a ‘beyond GDP perspective’ on globalisation and aims at informing about the way human beings live, the freedoms they enjoy and the limitations they face.
-
Our World in Data - The University of OxfordWe take a broad perspective, covering an extensive range of aspects that matter for our lives. Measuring economic growth is not enough. The research publications on Our World in Data are dedicated to a large range of global problems in health, education, violence, political power, human rights, war, poverty, inequality, energy, hunger, and humanity’s impact on the environment.
-
Pew Research CenterPew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions.
-
United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs StatisticsThe United Nations Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. We compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries' efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. We facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the United Nations Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system.
OneSearch
To quickly and efficiently search the Library's databases, use the search bar below and filter your results to full text, journal, magazine, and/or newspaper articles. Search for articles, books, movies, and more that are available through OneSearch.
Advanced Search | Journal Finder | Topic Finder| Find in My Library |
What are Cause & Effect Data Sources?
Cause and effect sources are potentially anything that has factual information.
Reliability
Since you are doing college level research it's very important to make sure your source is reliable. You should read all sources critically, but you can trust the sources you can get through our Library. See our Evaluating Sources information.
Finding Topics
CQ Researcher, Issues & Controversies, Gale In Context Opposing Viewpoints and Gale In Context Science can also help you come up with topics by taking a look at their browse topics pages.
You Can Use Pro & Con Sources, But...
Opinion or pro & con articles, books, or other sources can be used for cause & effect research assignments, but you have to be careful so as not to produce an unintentionally biased paper or presentation that is meant to be objective.
Credit: COM Library