“Does alcohol cause aggression?”

Consider alternative interpretations of research evidence, especially of evidence that seems to show cause and effect. What about this research question: “Does alcohol cause aggression?” Later in the chapter we see that evidence shows a clear connection, or “correlation,” between alcohol and aggression. That is, many people who commit violent crimes have been drinking alcohol. But does the evidence show that this connection is causal?

Could other factors, such as gender, age, willingness to take risks, or social expectations, account for both the drinking and the aggressive behavior?

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