CausalComparative Research that is interested in learning if

Causal-Comparative 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 ØIs either retrospective or prospective. ØThe independent variable is not (nor should it be) manipulated by the researcher. ØThe groups are already formed. ØDifferences between the groups is not brought on by the researcher. ØTypically explore & compare one independent variable.

Causal-Comparative Research Limitations ØLack of researcher control. ØAn apparent cause and effect relationship may not be what it seems. ØCauses and effects may be reversed. ØAn external third factor may actually be responsible for both the hypothesized case and the hypothesized effect. ØThe results are, at best, tentative in most cases. ØRequires repeated measures to yield definitive results.

Causal-Comparative Research Designs ØMatched Pairs – the researcher decides to match subjects in the experimental control groups on some variable. ØComparison of Homogeneous Groups or Subgroups – select groups that meet the criteria of the extraneous variable. ØAnalysis of Covariance – a statistical procedure used to make the groups equal on one or more variables.