Final answer:
The statement that multiple regression establishes temporal precedence by controlling for third variables is false. Temporal precedence must be established by study design, while multiple regression controls for third variables without proving causation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Multiple regression establishes temporal precedence as long as it controls for potential third-variable problems' is false. While multiple regression can adjust for multiple independent variables to help understand their relationship to a dependent variable, it does not inherently establish temporal precedence.
Temporal precedence, which is about ensuring that the cause precedes the effect, must be established by the design of the study and the gathering of data over time. In the context of regression analysis, researchers also need to be mindful of lurking variables which can confound the results.
Proper experimental design, including random assignment, is necessary to isolate the explanatory variable and determine causation.
It is crucial to carefully consider the timeline of events to ensure that the cause indeed comes before the effect. Simply controlling for third variables is beneficial for addressing potential confounders, but without evidence of temporal precedence, causation cannot be firmly established.