Types of Research in Research Psychology and it's Relation to Causality
Type of Research What is it about? Relation to Causality
Correlational or cross-sectional Common type of research. A We cannot infer causality due
Studies number or different variables to the possible influence of
are measured simultaneously. variables which we may not
By doing so, it becomes have considered. We call this a
possible for the researcher to confounding variable. The
see which variables are most easiest way to control these
strongly related to whatever it would be to measure and
may be that we are trying to control them statically. This
explain. form of research may be the
poorest at showing causality.
Longitudinal Studies This is a continuous form of We cannot infer causality with
research. It is a form of this form of research either
research conducted over an due to the influence of
extended period of time. confounding variables. This
form of research improves the
researcher’s confidence in
causality.
Experiments or Studies with In this type of research, the Sampling error will be a
randomized assignment researcher would form two problem. Intervention or
sets of variables through manipulation of the variables
randomization. may also influence causality.
With that said, this form of
research provides the
strongest evidence of
causality.
Type of Research What is it about? Relation to Causality
Correlational or cross-sectional Common type of research. A We cannot infer causality due
Studies number or different variables to the possible influence of
are measured simultaneously. variables which we may not
By doing so, it becomes have considered. We call this a
possible for the researcher to confounding variable. The
see which variables are most easiest way to control these
strongly related to whatever it would be to measure and
may be that we are trying to control them statically. This
explain. form of research may be the
poorest at showing causality.
Longitudinal Studies This is a continuous form of We cannot infer causality with
research. It is a form of this form of research either
research conducted over an due to the influence of
extended period of time. confounding variables. This
form of research improves the
researcher’s confidence in
causality.
Experiments or Studies with In this type of research, the Sampling error will be a
randomized assignment researcher would form two problem. Intervention or
sets of variables through manipulation of the variables
randomization. may also influence causality.
With that said, this form of
research provides the
strongest evidence of
causality.
