UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Causal-comparative research, also called ex post facto, compares groups that already differ on a dependent variable or on a presumed cause to explore possible causal relationships. The researcher does not manipulate the independent variable but attempts to identify factors associated with existing differences. Because groups are not formed randomly, causal inferences are tentative and based on logic rather than strict control. Therefore, the non-experimental design described is correctly termed causal-comparative research.

Option A:
Survey research collects information from respondents using questionnaires or interviews to describe attitudes, behaviours or characteristics; it is not defined by comparing pre-existing groups for causal explanation. Thus, it does not match the stem.

Option B:
Causal-comparative designs use careful selection of groups and statistical controls to reduce alternative explanations, but they cannot fully equate groups the way true experiments with random assignment can. They are useful when manipulation is impossible or unethical. These features align with the description of comparing existing groups to explore causes, so this option is correct.

Option C:
Experimental research introduces treatments and random assignment to groups to test causal hypotheses under controlled conditions, which goes beyond simply observing existing groups. Hence, it is not the best fit here.

Option D:
Ethnographic research focuses on in-depth cultural description through prolonged fieldwork and participant observation rather than formal group comparisons to explore causal factors, so it does not complete the stem.