Building on Prior Research To study a possible causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer,
Researchers start with human ____ studies and then progress to
Animal ____ studies.
A)experimental; experimental
B)experimental; quasi-experimental
C)quasi-experimental; experimental
D)correlational; quasi-experimental

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To establish a causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer, researchers cannot manipulate the independent variable (smoking) and measure the dependent variable (lung cancer) in humans experimentally due to ethical concerns. Thus, they can only conduct quasi-experimental studies, which involve comparing groups that were not randomly assigned. Once some evidence is established in quasi-experimental studies, researchers can progress to animal experimental studies where they can manipulate the independent variable and measure the dependent variable under controlled conditions. Therefore, the best choice is (C) quasi-experimental; experimental.

Building on Prior Research to Study a Possible Causal Relationship