Which cognitive error involves oversimplifying a complex situation into a single cause?

Causal oversimplification is a cognitive error that occurs when a complex issue or situation is reduced to a single cause, disregarding the multiple factors that may contribute to that scenario. This type of thinking can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions, as it ignores the nuances and interdependencies that often characterize real-life situations. For example, someone might claim that a rise in crime is solely due to a lack of police presence without considering other contributing elements such as economic conditions, social issues, community engagement, or cultural factors. By recognizing the nature of causal oversimplification, individuals can strive to analyze situations more comprehensively and develop a deeper understanding of the various factors at play.