Course: Research Methods
Causal-comparative research is a method to investigate whether a particular cause affects an outcome by comparing different groups.
Causal-comparative research is like detective work. Researchers want to find out what causes a particular outcome. They can’t control or change the cause, so they compare different groups. They look for differences between these groups to see if one factor could be the cause. It’s a way of understanding the “why” behind an outcome.
Why Do We Use It?
Imagine you’re playing a game of detective. You want to find out why something happened. Causal-comparative research works like that. Researchers use this method when they can’t control the factors they’re studying. They can’t change them or set them up in a controlled way. So, they compare groups to find out if a particular cause affects an outcome.
The Steps of Causal-Comparative Research
How do researchers do this? They start by identifying a factor they think might be a cause. Then they find groups that have and haven’t been exposed to this factor. They then compare the outcomes in each group. If the group with the factor has a different outcome, it suggests that the factor may be a cause. But remember, it doesn’t prove it. Other factors could be involved.
Causal-Comparative Research in Criminal Justice
Let’s take an example from criminal justice. A researcher wants to know if educational level impacts recidivism, or a person’s return to criminal behavior after punishment. They can’t control a person’s education level, so they identify two groups: ex-convicts with a high school diploma and those without. If the group with a diploma has a lower rate of recidivism, the researcher could infer that education might help reduce recidivism.
Social Work
In social work, a researcher might want to know if parental involvement affects children’s school performance. They can’t control how involved parents are. So they find groups of students with highly involved parents and less involved parents. If they see a difference in school performance, it suggests parental involvement may play a role.
Political Science
Consider political science. A researcher could want to know if a state’s voting laws impact voter turnout. They can’t control the laws, so they compare states with strict laws to those with lenient ones. If they see a difference in voter turnout, it suggests the laws might have an effect.
The Power of Causal-Comparative Research
In conclusion, causal-comparative research helps researchers uncover potential causes. It’s a tool that lets us compare different groups to better understand the world. By identifying potential causes, we can make educated guesses about why things happen the way they do. This knowledge can then guide our actions and policies, helping us shape a better future.