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Causal Comparative Research

Causal-comparative research examines potential causal relationships between variables by comparing existing groups that differ on the independent variable without active manipulation by the researcher. It aims to determine if one variable causes an outcome but lacks experimental control and can only yield tentative results, as an external third factor may better explain the relationship between the hypothesized cause and effect. This type of research can use matched pairs, comparison of homogeneous subgroups, or analysis of covariance designs.

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Christof
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61 views4 pages

Causal Comparative Research

Causal-comparative research examines potential causal relationships between variables by comparing existing groups that differ on the independent variable without active manipulation by the researcher. It aims to determine if one variable causes an outcome but lacks experimental control and can only yield tentative results, as an external third factor may better explain the relationship between the hypothesized cause and effect. This type of research can use matched pairs, comparison of homogeneous subgroups, or analysis of covariance designs.

Uploaded by

Christof
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Causal-Comparative Research

Research that is interested in learning if


there is a relationship between or among
variables that is causal in nature (i.e. does
one variable cause a given outcome).
Causal-Comparative Research
Characteristics
Is either retrospective or prospective.
The independent variable is not (nor should it be)
manipulated by the researcher.
The groups are already formed.
Differences between the groups is not brought on
by the researcher.
Typically explore & compare one independent
variable.
Causal-Comparative Research
Limitations
Lack of researcher control.
An apparent cause and effect relationship may not
be what it seems.
Causes and effects may be reversed.
An external third factor may actually be
responsible for both the hypothesized case and the
hypothesized effect.
The results are, at best, tentative in most cases.
Requires repeated measures to yield definitive
results.
Causal-Comparative Research
Designs
Matched Pairs – the researcher decides to match
subjects in the experimental control groups on
some variable.
Comparison of Homogeneous Groups or
Subgroups – select groups that meet the criteria of
the extraneous variable.
Analysis of Covariance – a statistical procedure
used to make the groups equal on one or more
variables.

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