Effect

TL;DR

• The outcome produced by an initiating action, event, or situation.
• The observable change or impact on a person, object, or situation.
• Used to describe what follows from a specific cause.

Definition

Effect is the result or outcome of a particular action, event, or situation. It can be seen as the change or impact that something has on a person, object, or situation.

Explanation

An effect follows from an initial cause: the cause is the action or event that precedes it, and the effect is the resulting change. Recognizing cause-and-effect relationships clarifies how one event leads to another and supports analysis and prediction. Understanding effects is important across fields—researchers use effects to develop theories and make predictions; clinicians use them to diagnose and treat; policymakers use them to address economic issues.

Examples

Psychology

When a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The traumatic event is the cause, and the development of PTSD is the effect. The individual may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance behavior as a result of the traumatic event.

Economics

When a country experiences a recession, the effect may be a decrease in the overall demand for goods and services. This can lead to businesses reducing their production and laying off workers, resulting in higher unemployment rates. The recession is the cause, and the decrease in demand and unemployment are the effects.

Use cases

• Science: understanding causes and effects helps researchers develop theories and make predictions.
• Psychology: understanding causes and effects of mental health disorders helps clinicians diagnose and treat individuals effectively.
• Economics: understanding causes and effects of economic trends helps policymakers make informed decisions to address issues such as unemployment and inflation.

Related terms

• Cause
• Cause and effect