Testing a hypothesis using cause-and-effect logic is known as which method?

Testing a hypothesis using cause-and-effect logic is known as which method?

• A. Experiment
• B. Survey
• C. Longitudinal study
• D. Ethnography

Answer: (A)

Testing a hypothesis with cause-and-effect logic is best achieved through the experimental method. In experiments, a researcher actively manipulates an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable, while keeping other factors constant. Random assignment to groups helps ensure that observed differences are due to the manipulation rather than preexisting differences, which strengthens claims of causality. Other approaches don’t aim for this level of control. Surveys look at relationships between variables and typically identify associations rather than causal effects. Longitudinal studies track changes over time and can suggest temporal order, but without controlled manipulation they can’t definitively establish causality. Ethnography emphasizes deep, qualitative understanding of social contexts rather than testing causal hypotheses through controlled experiments. So, the method described is the experimental method.

Testing a hypothesis with cause-and-effect logic is best achieved through the experimental method. In experiments, a researcher actively manipulates an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable, while keeping other factors constant. Random assignment to groups helps ensure that observed differences are due to the manipulation rather than preexisting differences, which strengthens claims of causality.

Other approaches don’t aim for this level of control. Surveys look at relationships between variables and typically identify associations rather than causal effects. Longitudinal studies track changes over time and can suggest temporal order, but without controlled manipulation they can’t definitively establish causality. Ethnography emphasizes deep, qualitative understanding of social contexts rather than testing causal hypotheses through controlled experiments.

So, the method described is the experimental method.