June 16 Causal-comparative and Correlational Research

We have now examined qualitative and descriptive research. Keep in mind that these two types of research use methods that answer a research question that has been asked just after your review of related literature. Today, we will be looking at the types of research for which you will have a hypothesis that will be tested through the parts of your Method section.

We will begin this discussion with two types of research that are somewhat similar in some ways and different in others. We will be examining correlational and causal-comparative research. Keep in mind that a big difference in the two is that causal-comparative is designed to compare the scores of two groups based on some sort of fixed or non-manipulable variable (e.g., gender, intelligence, family background, SES, use of drugs, behavior disorder, etc.) whereas correlational is used to examine one group with two variables to see if these variables are related to each other.

When using either design, it is not possible to make cause and effect statements about the variables studied. For correlational, you only have one group so no comparison is occurring. For causal-comparative, many other variables may come into play when you try to study one certain one since you are studying these variables ex post facto (after the fact).

For instance, if you are comparing two groups of adults (one that uses drugs and the other that does not) on income earned, there may be other factors coming into play such as education obtained, family background, and depression. Any of these factors could potentially have impacted the result (Some people try to solve this problem by doing what is called "matching."). Therefore, conclusions from either correlational or causal-comparative are tentative. One cannot indicate cause and effect (correlational), and the other cannot control every variable that might be involved in a cause and effect since it is studied ex post facto. On the other hand, finding a relationship (correlational) or seeing a difference (causal-comparative) can be a first step toward doing an experimental research study.

Please proceed to Blackboard to begin examining these two types of research. You will find information there concerning these two types of research. Please proceed to the discussion board first before beginning the information on causal-comparative research. It will help you better understand the potential variables that may be examined through this type of research.