UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Ex post facto research, literally meaning “after the fact”, investigates possible cause–effect relationships by observing existing differences and looking backward to identify potential causes. The researcher does not manipulate independent variables but selects groups that differ on some outcome. Because the events have already occurred, control over extraneous variables is limited and causal claims are cautious. Thus, the design described in the stem is correctly called ex post facto research.

Option A:
Ex post facto studies typically compare groups such as high and low achievers and then examine prior factors like teaching methods or socio-economic status that may be linked to these outcomes. The key feature is that the presumed causes are not controlled or introduced by the researcher. This fits the “after events have already occurred” emphasis in the stem, making this option correct.

Option B:
Experimental research deliberately manipulates an independent variable and randomly assigns participants to conditions, which is not possible once events have already taken place. It therefore does not match the non-manipulative, retrospective nature described.

Option C:
Longitudinal research follows the same participants over time to observe change, but it may or may not be concerned with inferring causes after the fact in the specific ex post facto sense. Hence, it is not the best completion here.

Option D:
Historical research uses documents and records to study past events in broader contexts, rather than comparing existing groups to infer immediate causal factors in the way ex post facto designs do. Therefore, it does not precisely fit the stem.