KAU hosts seminar on research language, policy

The Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) organised a seminar titled “From ‘Linked To’ to ‘Causes’: How Words May Mislead in Policy Research,” held at the auditorium of the university’s Temporary Campus-1 on Staurday.

A statistical association between two variables does not necessarily imply a cause-and-effect relationship. Presenting correlation as causation, they said, is a common mistake in policy research that can lead to misleading interpretations and flawed policy decisions, the speakers said.

They also added that the need for rigorous data analysis, evidence-based conclusions, and the careful use of language in research to ensure accuracy and credibility.

They expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to improving the quality of research at the university and help foster a culture of internationally recognised academic excellence.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Nazmul Ahsan attended the programme as the chief guest, while Treasurer Prof. Dr. Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan was present as the special guest. The keynote address was delivered by Zubayer Hossain, Programme Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). The session was chaired by Md. Zahurul Islam, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics and Additional Director of IQAC.