Which is NOT a Hill's criterion?

Which is NOT a Hill's criterion?

• A. Biological gradient
• B. Coherence with established knowledge
• C. Random error minimization
• D. Specificity of association

Answer: (C)

Hill's criteria are a set of considerations used to judge whether an observed association could be causal. Biological gradient means a dose–response relationship—when greater exposure yields higher risk, the association fits with how a biological system typically responds. Coherence with established knowledge requires that the association aligns with what is already known about the biology and natural history of the disease, not contradicting well‑supported facts. Specificity of association suggests that a cause leads to a particular effect rather than to many unrelated outcomes, though this criterion is less universal in modern practice. Random error minimization, while essential for good study design and precise measurement, is not one of Hill's criteria for causality. It concerns reducing chance variation in data rather than assessing the causal plausibility of an association.

Hill's criteria are a set of considerations used to judge whether an observed association could be causal. Biological gradient means a dose–response relationship—when greater exposure yields higher risk, the association fits with how a biological system typically responds. Coherence with established knowledge requires that the association aligns with what is already known about the biology and natural history of the disease, not contradicting well‑supported facts. Specificity of association suggests that a cause leads to a particular effect rather than to many unrelated outcomes, though this criterion is less universal in modern practice.

Random error minimization, while essential for good study design and precise measurement, is not one of Hill's criteria for causality. It concerns reducing chance variation in data rather than assessing the causal plausibility of an association.