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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 retro spective or pro spective.
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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 ResearchCharacteristics • 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 ResearchLimitations • 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 ResearchDesigns • 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.
