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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of causal research?
In an experiment, which of the following correctly identifies the independent variable?
Which term best describes the relationship where a change in one variable is associated with a change in another variable?
What condition must be met to establish temporal precedence in experimental design?
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What is random assignment in experimental design intended to achieve?
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Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of correlation without causation?
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In the context of causal research, what does the dependent variable represent?
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Which combination of conditions is considered necessary to establish a causal relationship in an experiment?
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Which of the following is necessary to suggest that a discount caused an increase in sales?
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What does the post hoc fallacy highlight in the context of causal relationships?
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Which statement correctly differentiates between independent and dependent variables in the context of a discount affecting sales?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting a random assignment in experimental design?
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What limitation does a quasi-experiment address when random assignment is not feasible?
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Which of the following demonstrates a common misunderstanding regarding correlation and causation?
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Why is it important to rule out alternative reasons when assessing the impact of discounts on sales?
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Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between correlation and causation?
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What is the purpose of causal research as illustrated by the ketchup experiment?
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In the ketchup consumption experiment, which of the following correctly identifies the independent and dependent variables?
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How can we differentiate between correlation and causation in the context of the animal poster donation study?
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What role does temporal precedence play in establishing a causal relationship in the ketchup experiment?
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Which aspect of experimental design is compromised when using a quasi-experiment for studying study hours at GU and UW?
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Study Notes
Quasi-Experiments
- A quasi-experiment allows researchers to study cause-and-effect relationships when random assignment isn't possible.
- It relaxes the random assignment requirement, but still satisfies temporal precedence and correlation.
- Example: A study comparing study hours of students at GU and UW.
Causal Research - Example 1
- Research question: Does ketchup color influence consumption?
- Hypothesis: Blue ketchup leads to less consumption than red ketchup.
- Independent variable (treatment): Ketchup color (blue vs. red)
- Dependent variable (outcome): Ketchup consumption
- Correlation: Changes in ketchup color should be linked to changes in consumption.
- Temporal precedence: Participants are given ketchup before recording consumption.
- Random assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to red or blue ketchup.
- This research can be conducted as a true experiment.
Causal Research - Example 2
- Research question: Does the animal displayed on a poster influence donation amounts?
- Hypothesis: Cat posters lead to higher donations than dog posters.
- Independent variable (treatment): Animal on poster (cat vs. dog)
- Dependent variable (outcome): Amount donated
- Correlation: Changes in animal displayed should be linked to changes in donation amounts.
- Temporal precedence: Participants see the poster before making donations.
- Random assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to see the cat or dog poster.
- This research can be conducted as a true experiment.
Experiment Requirements
- Correlation: Changes in the independent variable should be linked to changes in the dependent variable.
- Temporal precedence: The independent variable should occur before the dependent variable.
- Random assignment: Participants should be randomly assigned to different treatment groups to control for potential confounding factors.
Caveats of Correlation
- Correlation alone does not prove causation.
- There might be other factors influencing the observed correlation.
- Temporal precedence is also necessary to establish causation.
Caveats of Temporal Precedence
- Just because one event happened before another doesn't mean it caused it.
- Other confounding factors could have influenced the outcome.
- Random assignment is needed to rule out these alternative explanations.
Caveats of Random Assignment
- Small sample size can lead to bias.
- Practical and ethical considerations can make random assignment difficult or impossible.
- In such cases, quasi-experiments can be used.
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Description
Explore the methods and concepts of quasi-experiments and causal research through specific examples. Understand how researchers study cause-and-effect relationships, even in the absence of random assignment. Test your knowledge on critical elements such as variables, correlations, and temporal precedence.
