A fallacy is an error in reasoning based on opinion, misunderstanding, or intentional misdirection that makes an argument invalid. Common causation (因果关系) fallacies include those of oversimplification and exaggeration, which occur when actual causes of an event are reduced to the point where connections between causes and effects are blurred or buried.
Oversimplification is common, which means reducing multiple causes to just one or a few. Well-intentioned writers and speakers can fall into the trap of oversimplification if not careful.
One motivation for simplification is the basic advice given to writers: Don't get stuck in details. In the process, however, a writer can leave out too many details, even critical information. Another contributing factor to oversimplification is the overuse of an important tool in critical thinking called Oceam's Razor, a principle that states that the simplest explanation that fits the data is the preferable one. The problem is that the simplest explanation might not always be the right-one.
A writer creating an argument can assume that based on Occam's Razor, the simplest explanation is likely true, but they must not assume that is always the case. They must look at all angles and complexities of an issue before settling on the simplest explanation.
Here is an example of oversimplification:
School violence has gone up and academic performance has gone down since video games featuring violence were introduced. Therefore, video games with violence should be banned, resulting in school improvement.
This argument exhibits oversimplification because it assumes problems in schools (increasing violence, decreasing academic performance can be attributed to a single cause: the time young people spend playing video games that feature violence). Various other factors, including social and economic conditions that may contribute to a child's mental health, are ignored.
Related to the fallacy of oversimplification is the fallacy of exaggeration-multiplying a couple of causes into many.
