Question

A study in Europe concluded that whenever there is an increase in the circulation of fake news in social media, the ruling party gains political mileage. Conversely, a proportionate decrease in the circulation of fake news corresponds to the decline in its popularity. Which one of Mill’s methods is entailed in the above reasoning?

• A. Method of Concomitant Variation
• B. Joint Method of Agreement and Difference
• C. Method of Residues
• D. Method of Difference

Hint:

The method of concomitant variation is useful when two variables change together in a regular pattern. If one increases and the other decreases proportionally, it suggests a causal relationship.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Mill's Methods.
Mill's method of concomitant variation is used when there is a correlation between the variation of two phenomena. The change in one phenomenon (such as the circulation of fake news) is directly related to the change in another (political mileage). This is consistent with the situation described in the question. Step 2: Explanation of the Method.
According to the method of concomitant variation, when two phenomena vary in a consistent manner, one is likely a cause of the other. In this case, the increase and decrease in the circulation of fake news are directly related to the changes in the ruling party's political mileage. Step 3: Final Conclusion.
This reasoning is an example of the method of concomitant variation, as the study shows that changes in one variable (fake news circulation) are proportional to changes in another variable (political mileage).