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.