Causal Comparative Versus Experimental – UGC NET Question

Causal comparative research attempts to investigate possible cause–effect relationships by examining differences between natural groups. The researcher does not manipulate the independent variable but observes the effects of variables that have already occurred or that cannot ethically be controlled, such as gender or past experiences. Internal validity is weaker than in true experiments because rival explanations may remain.

Option A:
Option A describes essential features of true experiments, including manipulation and random assignment, which are absent in causal comparative studies.

Option B:
Option B correctly states that ex post facto studies use existing groups and nonmanipulated variables. The researcher works backward from observed differences to infer possible causes.

Option C:
Option C claims complete control over extraneous variables, which is rarely achievable even in experiments and certainly not in causal comparative designs.

Option D:
Option D restricts research to laboratory conditions, which is not a defining feature of either design; many studies of both types occur in natural settings.