Final answer:
Drawing a conclusion based solely on the sequence of events without considering other factors is known as a false cause fallacy. This form of reasoning often leads to incorrect conclusions and is exacerbated by confirmation bias, which disregards evidence that contradicts one's existing beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drawing a conclusion based on the mere sequence of events is using what is known as a false cause fallacy, or post hoc ergo propter hoc. This logical fallacy assumes that because one event follows another, the first event must be the cause of the second. It is a common mistake in reasoning that can lead to erroneous conclusions and is reflective of poor critical thinking skills.
Confirmation bias further compounds this fallacy by causing individuals to only remember or acknowledge the events that support their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring evidence to the contrary. For instance, if someone observes that they were wearing a certain item of clothing when their favorite sports team won several games, they might erroneously conclude that the clothing is 'lucky' and somehow causes the team's victories due to confirmation bias.
An example to illustrate this point involves the mistaken belief that because ice cream sales and burglaries both increase during the summer months, one could lead to the conclusion that they are causally linked. However, it is more likely that the increase in both is due to a third factor, such as warmer weather, rather than a causal relationship between the two. This line of reasoning neglects the possibility of other factors and falls into the correlation-causation fallacy.
Ultimately, drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence or because of the mere sequence of events without considering other possible explanations can lead to unfounded superstitions or beliefs. It is essential to critically evaluate the evidence and consider alternative explanations before determining causality.