Which of the following research designs will allow cause-and-effect conclusions?
archival research
experimental
correlational studies
quasi-experimental
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is experimental research design.
Explanation:
Experimental research is the only research design that allows researchers to draw cause-and-effect conclusions. This is because, in an experimental study, the researcher manipulates an independent variable (the cause) and observes its effect on a dependent variable (the effect). The key to experimental research is the use of random assignment and control groups, which helps eliminate other confounding variables that could influence the results.
Here’s why experimental research is unique in allowing cause-and-effect conclusions:
- Manipulation of Variables: In experimental designs, the researcher controls and manipulates the independent variable to observe its effect on the dependent variable. This level of control is crucial for establishing causality.
- Random Assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to either the experimental group (exposed to the manipulated variable) or the control group (not exposed to the manipulated variable). Randomization reduces selection bias and ensures that any differences observed in the dependent variable are likely due to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other extraneous factors.
- Control Groups: Experimental designs include control groups that do not receive the treatment or intervention. This helps isolate the effect of the independent variable from other potential influences and increases the validity of the results.
In contrast, the other research designs do not allow for firm cause-and-effect conclusions:
- Archival research involves analyzing existing data (like historical records or data collected for other purposes) and is often used to identify trends or patterns, but it does not involve manipulating variables, so causality cannot be established.
- Correlational studies examine the relationship between two variables, but they do not manipulate variables, making it impossible to determine causality. A correlation does not imply causation; two variables may be related due to a third, unmeasured variable.
- Quasi-experimental research shares similarities with experimental research but lacks random assignment. This limits the ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships definitively because there may still be confounding variables influencing the results.
In summary, experimental research is the gold standard for determining causal relationships due to its ability to manipulate variables, control confounding factors, and use random assignment.