Quasi-Experiments and Causal Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of causal research?

  • To perform historical analysis of marketing trends.
  • To identify predictors of future events and their relationships. (correct)
  • To survey large populations for descriptive analysis.
  • To collect qualitative data to understand consumer behavior.

In an experiment, which of the following correctly identifies the independent variable?

  • The observed changes in the production output.
  • The results measured after the experiment concludes.
  • The demographic information of the participants.
  • The treatment or condition being manipulated. (correct)

Which term best describes the relationship where a change in one variable is associated with a change in another variable?

  • Regression
  • Correlation (correct)
  • Causation
  • Interaction

What condition must be met to establish temporal precedence in experimental design?

<p>The cause must precede the effect in time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is random assignment in experimental design intended to achieve?

<p>It creates equivalent groups to reduce bias. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of correlation without causation?

<p>Increased ice cream sales are linked to higher temperatures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of causal research, what does the dependent variable represent?

<p>The outcome that is measured as a response to the treatment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of conditions is considered necessary to establish a causal relationship in an experiment?

<p>Correlation, temporal precedence, and random assignment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is necessary to suggest that a discount caused an increase in sales?

<p>The discount should be present during the increase in sales. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the post hoc fallacy highlight in the context of causal relationships?

<p>Just because one event occurs before another does not mean it caused that event. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly differentiates between independent and dependent variables in the context of a discount affecting sales?

<p>The independent variable is the discount, while the dependent variable is the change in sales. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a random assignment in experimental design?

<p>To rule out alternative explanations for the observed outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does a quasi-experiment address when random assignment is not feasible?

<p>It still allows for the identification of causal relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demonstrates a common misunderstanding regarding correlation and causation?

<p>Correlation implies causation without further evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to rule out alternative reasons when assessing the impact of discounts on sales?

<p>To ensure the observed effects are purely due to the discount. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between correlation and causation?

<p>Demonstrating correlation requires additional steps to prove causation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of causal research as illustrated by the ketchup experiment?

<p>To determine if the color of ketchup can change consumer behavior. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the ketchup consumption experiment, which of the following correctly identifies the independent and dependent variables?

<p>Independent: ketchup color; Dependent: ketchup consumption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can we differentiate between correlation and causation in the context of the animal poster donation study?

<p>Random assignment helps establish whether seeing an animal directly influences donation behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does temporal precedence play in establishing a causal relationship in the ketchup experiment?

<p>It confirms that participants experience the ketchup color before making consumption choices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of experimental design is compromised when using a quasi-experiment for studying study hours at GU and UW?

<p>The random assignment of participants to different conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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