Introductory Psychology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of analysis is used to establish cause and effect relationships?

1. Descriptive

2. Longitudinal

3. Correlational

4. Experimental

The correct answer is: Experimental

Experimental analysis is used to establish cause and effect relationships because it involves manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effects on a dependent variable, thus allowing the researcher to determine causality. Descriptive analysis simply describes a phenomenon or group, without attempting to establish cause and effect. Longitudinal analysis tracks a group or phenomenon over a period of time, but does not necessarily establish causality. Correlational analysis looks at the relationship between two variables, but does not determine causality. Therefore, D Experimental is the correct answer as it specifically focuses on determining cause and effect relationships.