A researcher has examined a variety of correlational studies that point to a causal relationship between two variables. All of the studies have found a positive relationship between the two variables, but for ethical reasons, no experiments have been conducted. Using an approach of pattern and parsimony, the researcher may begin to make a causal claim by doing which of the following?
A)Running another correlational study but with more people
B)Specifying a mechanism or explanation for the causal relationship
C)Examining the dates of the studies to look for temporal precedence
D)Replicating all of the original studies

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to make a causal claim, the researcher must specify a mechanism or explanation for how the two variables are causally related. Simply having correlational studies that show a positive relationship between the variables is not enough to establish causation. Without a mechanism or explanation, the relationship could be due to other variables or just coincidence. Therefore, the best choice is to specify a mechanism or explanation for the causal relationship.

A Researcher Has Examined a Variety of Correlational Studies That