Title: Causal-comparative Research | Dr. V.K. Maheshwari, Ph.D
Headings: Causal-comparative Research
Causal-comparative Research
Dr. V.K. Maheshwari, Former Principal
K.L.D.A.V (P. G) College, Roorkee, India
Causal-Comparative Research Facts
The Nature of Causal-Comparative Research
Main purpose of causal-comparative research:
Basic Characteristics of Causal-comparative research
Three important aspects of Causal Comparative method are:
Examples of variables investigated in Causal-Comparative Research
Causal Comparative Research Procedure
Data Sources
Research Tools
Procedural Considerations
SPECIAL PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Report Presentation
CONDUCTING A CAUSAL-COMPARATIVE STUDY
Design & Procedure
CONTROL PROCEDURES
MATCHING
COMPARING HOMOGENEOUS GROUPS OR SUBGROUPS
ANALYSIS OF COVARIANCE
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Types of Causal-Comparative Research Designs
Retrospective causal-comparative research
Prospective causal-comparative research
Basic approach of causal- comparative research
Steps for conducting a Causal-comparative research
STEP ONE- Select a topic
STEP TWO -Review of literature
STEP THREE- Develop a Research hypothesis
STEP FOUR-Select participants
STEP FIVE- Select instruments to measure variables and collecting data
Causal Comparative: Data Collection
Causal Comparative: Equating groups
STEP SIX- Analyze and interpret results
Validity of the research
Threats to Internal Validity in Causal-Comparative Research
In short the Threats to Internal Validity in Causal-Comparative Research can be summerised as:
Other Threats
Evaluating Threats to Internal Validity in Causal-Comparative Studies
Data Analysis
Analysis of data also involve a variety of descriptive and inferential statistics
The most commonly used inferential statistics are;
Limitations of use
Causal Comparative: Conclusions
Comparison of Causal-comparative method and Experimental method
Difference and Similarities in between Causal and Correlational Research
Causal-comparative and correlational designs are similar as:
The key difference between causal and correlational research is that while causal research can predict causality, correlational research cannot. Through this article let us examine the differences between causal and correlational research further.
Difference in meaning
Strengths and Limitations of Causal-comparative Research
Causal-Comparative Research has its limitations which should be recognized:
Strengths of Causal-comparative Research

Content: This is achieved by comparing the circumstances associated with observed effects and by noting the factors present in the instances where a given effect occurs and where it does not occur. This method is based on Miill’s canon of agreement and disaggrement which states that caoses of given observed effect may be ascertained by noting elements which are invariably present when the result is present and which are invariably absent when the result is absent. Causal-comparative research scrutinizes the relationship among variables in studies in which the independent variable has already occurred, thus making the study descriptive rather than experimental in nature. Because the independent variable (the variable for which the researcher wants to suggest causation) has already been completed (e.g., two reading methods used by a school ), the researcher has no control over it. That is, the researcher cannot assign subjects or teachers or determine the means of implementation or even verify proper implementation. Sometimes the variable either cannot be manipulated (e.g., gender) or should not be manipulated (e.g., who smokes cigarettes or how many they smoke). Still, the relationship of the independent variable on one or more dependent variables is measured and implications of possible causation are used to draw conclusions about the results. Also known as “ex post facto” research. ( Latin for “after the fact”) since both the effect and the alleged cause have already occurred and must be studied in retrospect .In this type of research investigators attempt to determine the cause or consequences of differences that already exist between or among groups of individuals. Used, particularly in the behavioral sciences.