Which concept refers to the understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in development?

The concept that refers to the understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in development is causality. Causality implies that a certain action or phenomenon directly leads to the occurrence of another event or outcome. It goes beyond mere association, which is what correlation measures, and focuses on establishing a definitive link where one variable produces a change in another.

In the context of development, understanding causality is crucial because it allows researchers and practitioners to identify which factors or interventions are responsible for specific changes or outcomes. This insight is essential for effective decision-making, policy formulation, and intervention design, ensuring that efforts are directed towards factors that truly drive positive change.

While correlation indicates a relationship between variables, it does not imply a direct cause-and-effect link; this might lead to incorrect conclusions. Consequentiality and impact analysis also relate to evaluating outcomes but may not specifically capture the essence of direct cause-and-effect relationships as effectively as causality does. Hence, causality is the most accurate term in this context.