Which type of research aims to determine cause-and-effect relationships?

Which type of research aims to determine cause-and-effect relationships?

• A. Descriptive
• B. Exploratory
• C. Qualitative
• D. Causal

Answer: (D)

Determining cause-and-effect requires showing that a change in one variable produces a change in another, while ruling out other explanations. This is what causal research does. It typically uses experimental designs where the researcher manipulates the independent variable (the potential cause) and observes the impact on the dependent variable (the effect), ideally with random assignment and control groups to isolate the effect and control for confounding factors. If you can argue that altering one variable leads to a change in another and that no other variable is responsible, you’re dealing with causal research. Descriptive research describes what exists, such as characteristics or frequencies, without testing causal relationships. Exploratory research aims to gain initial understandings or generate hypotheses, not to prove causation. Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding of meanings and experiences, rather than measuring causal effects.

Determining cause-and-effect requires showing that a change in one variable produces a change in another, while ruling out other explanations. This is what causal research does. It typically uses experimental designs where the researcher manipulates the independent variable (the potential cause) and observes the impact on the dependent variable (the effect), ideally with random assignment and control groups to isolate the effect and control for confounding factors. If you can argue that altering one variable leads to a change in another and that no other variable is responsible, you’re dealing with causal research.

Descriptive research describes what exists, such as characteristics or frequencies, without testing causal relationships. Exploratory research aims to gain initial understandings or generate hypotheses, not to prove causation. Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding of meanings and experiences, rather than measuring causal effects.