11th topic

CAUSAL COMPARATIVE RESEARCH

 In causal comparative research, investigators attempt to determine the cause or

consequences of differences that already exist between or among groups of
individuals. As a result, it is sometimes viewed, along with correlational
research, as a form of associational research, since both describe conditions that
already exist.
 The group difference variable in a causal-comparative study is either a variable
that cannot be manipulated (such as ethnicity) or one that might have been
manipulated but for one reason or another has not been (such as teaching style).

 Causal- comparative research would allow the researcher to study the effects of
the diet if he or she could find a group of children who have already been
exposed to the diet. The researcher could then compare them with a similar
group of children who had not been exposed to the diet. Much of the research in
medicine and sociology is causal-comparative in nature. Notice that if it were
possible, a correlational study might be preferable, but that it is not appropriate
when one of the variables (in this case, the nature of the groups) is a categorical
variable. 

ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATIONS IN CAUSAL COMPARATIVE

RESESARCH

 In this research, the investigators can control the treatment (X) and then observe
the dependent variable (Y) as in experimental research, they have reasonable
evidence that X influences Y. Ex-post facto or comparative research, on the
other hand, lacks control of the independent variable and thus has lower internal
validity.
 When interpreting the comparative research, one should consider alternative
explanation, such as common cause, reverse causality, and presence of other
independent variables.
a. Common Cause

Consider the possibility that both the independent variable and the dependent
variable of the study are merely two separate results of a third variable.

b. Reverse Causality
 Consider the possibility of reverse causality that the reverse of the suggested
hypothesis could also account for the finding. Instead saying that X causes Y,
perhaps it is the case that Y causes X. 

c. Other Possible Independent Variables

Independent variables other than the one considered in the ex post facto study
may bring about the observed effect on the Y variable; that is, in addition to
X1.other variables, X2 and X3 may also be antecedent factors for the variation in
the dependent variable. 

THE PROCESS OF CAUSAL COMPARATIVE RESEARCH

It is quite simple, and although the grouping variable is not manipulated, control
procedures can be exercised to improve interpretation of results.

1. Design and procedures, selecting two groups that differ on some variable of
interest and comparing them on some dependent variable.
2. Control procedures
In this part, control procedures have three control techniques: matching,
comparing homogeneous group or subgroups, and analysis of covariance.