When a researcher starts with the dependent variable and moves backwards to its causes, it is called

Retrospective research starts from the dependent variable and moves backward to its causes.

Predictive research begins from causes and looks forward to forecast future outcomes.

Exploratory research probes a little-understood problem to generate initial insight.

Descriptive research portrays current characteristics without tracing them back to causes.

Retrospective designs examine past exposures that may explain a present condition.

This backward logic is common in case-control studies of rare outcomes.