Paper 1 · Research Aptitude
To be confident that a cause-and-effect relationship exists, it is necessary to
AEngage in naturalistic observation
BDevelop a positive correlation
CPerform a controlled experiment ✓ Correct
DTest for a negative correlation
Correct answer: (C) Perform a controlled experiment — To be confident of a cause-and-effect relationship, it is necessary to perform a controlled experiment, so that is the answer.
Explanation
★To be confident of a cause-and-effect relationship, it is necessary to perform a controlled experiment, so that is the answer.
★Only a controlled experiment manipulates the cause while holding other conditions constant.
★So it alone can show that the effect truly follows from the manipulated cause.
★Naturalistic observation only watches behaviour and cannot establish cause.
★A positive or negative correlation shows that variables move together but not that one causes the other.
★So the controlled experiment is necessary to be confident of cause and effect.
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