Checking Causality

Learning Goal: I’m working on a marketing writing question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.

Checking Causality

Instructions: Carefully read the following scenario and prediction, and use the criteria for causality discussed in class to determine if the prediction is causal.

  • Scenario: A cosmetic company introduces a new advertising campaign on social media, expecting it to lead to increased online sales.
  • Prediction: The new social media advertising campaign will result in a boost in online sales.
  • Data Collection: The company collected the following data to test the prediction above, and found that in January, when there was no advertising campaign, online sales were $250,000. In February, after the campaign was launched, online sales increased to $500,000. Also, the company had another special promotion in February during Valentine’s Day.
Month Advertising Campaign Online Sales
Jan No advertising $250,000
Feb New campaign launched $500,000
  • Task: Based solely on the provided description (do not refer to your own assumptions, observations, or experiences), determine if causality exists in the prediction. Ensure you thoroughly discuss each criterion and provide a well-reasoned conclusion based on the data and the three steps for causality discussed in class.
  • Deliverable: Create a document that is 1 to 1.5 pages long, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, using Times New Roman font size 12.