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Question

Which among the following provides the strongest evidence of cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables?

This question was previously asked in
UGC NET 2018 Paper 1 Question Paper (8-Jul-2018)
The correct answer is

Experimental approach

To determine the strongest evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables, let's analyze the provided options:

  • Descriptive statistics: This approach involves summarizing or describing data. It does not assess causality but only presents data distributions, measures of central tendency, and variability. Therefore, it is not suitable for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Non-experimental approach: This includes observational methods where the researcher does not manipulate variables but only observes them. This approach can indicate correlations but cannot definitively establish causality because it lacks control over confounding variables.
  • Correlational approach: Similar to the non-experimental strategy, correlation studies assess the relationship between two variables. However, correlation does not imply causation. High correlation coefficients may suggest a strong association, but they do not prove that one variable causes changes in another.
  • Experimental approach: Researchers control and manipulate one or more independent variables to observe the effect on the dependent variables. This method often includes random assignment and control groups, allowing researchers to isolate and identify causal relationships. Thus, it provides the strongest evidence for causation.

Given these explanations, the Experimental approach offers the most robust evidence of cause-and-effect relationships because it allows for direct manipulation and control over variables, minimizing the influence of outside factors and confounding variables. This ensures that observed changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to changes in the independent variable.

Thus, the correct answer is the Experimental approach.

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Similar Questions

  1. A college teacher does research with a view to depict the reality situations relating to home conditions of students and hostels provided for. Which of the following research format will be helpful to do so?

  2. There are two sets given below. Set-I specifies the types of research, while Set-II indicates their characteristics. Match the two and give your answer by selecting the appropriate code.

    Set-I (Research types)

    (a) Fundamental research

    (b) Applied research

    (c) Action research

    (d) Evaluative research

    Set-II (Characteristics)

    (i) Finding out the extent of perceived impact of an intervention

    (ii) Developing an effective explanation through theory building

    (iii) Improving an existing situation through use of interventions

    (iv) Exploring the possibility of a theory for use in various situations

    (v) Enriching technological resources

    Code: (a) (b) (c) (d)

  3. A researcher attempts to evaluate the effect of method of feeding on anxiety-proneness of children. Which method of research would be appropriate for this?

  4. Which of the following research formats focuses on hypothesis testing and generalizations'?

  5. Case studies are:

  6. Through which research method, the manipulation of an independent variable and its effect on dependent variable is examined with reference to a hypothesis under controlled conditions?

  7. In which of the following research studies interpretation and meaning get more attention than formulation of generalizations?
    (i) Historical studies
    (ii) Survey studies
    (iii) Philosophical studies
    (iv) Ethnographic studies
    (v) Hypothetical – deductive studies
    (vi) Ex-post facto studies
    Choose your answer from the options given below:

  8. The research in which the independent variable is manipulated is termed as

  9. For which type of research, the action words – 'Control, manipulate and observe' are most relevant?

  10. Qualitative researchers criticize quantitative research for its tendency towards:


Important Questions from Types of Research

  1. Match List-I with List-II :

    List-I

    List-II

    (a)

    Research studies which describe facts as they come by

    (i)

    Observational research

    (b)

    A non-experimental conceptual research based on logical thinking

    (ii)

    Ex-post facto research

    (c)

    Experience and observation-based research aiming to determine casual relationship among factors

    (iii)

    Philosophical research

    (d)

    A field of natural study of epidemics, plant growth, child growth, bird-animal or crowd behaviour

    (iv)

    Empirical (Experimental) research

    Select the correct option :

  2. The ethnographic research is mostly conducted in:

  3. Match the following :

    List 1

    List 2

    a) Fundamental  Research

     1) To find solutions to   problems faced by practitioners

     b) Applied Research

     2) To establish facts     experimentally

     c) Action Research

     3) To identify right practices on   the basis of established theory

     d) Case study

     4) To establish concepts,     principles, and theories

     e) Experimental Research

     5) To study individuals in detail

  4. The disadvantage of using the observation method for market surveys is that

  5. Distinguished features of the action research are as follows:

    A. Only teachers conduct action research.

    B. A small accessible population is used for the study.

    C. Sample drawn from a population is used for the study.

    D. Researcher is the consumer of the findings.

    E. Obtained findings are generalized to the population

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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