US High School Psychology Practice Exam

In psychological research, which method is best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships?

1. Correlation studies

2. Case studies

3. Experimental studies

4. Surveys

The correct answer is: Experimental studies

Experimental studies are considered the best method for establishing cause-and-effect relationships in psychological research due to their ability to control variables and manipulate the independent variable. In an experiment, researchers can isolate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable, ensuring that any observed changes can be attributed directly to the manipulation. This level of control allows for a clearer understanding of the relationship between cause and effect. Moreover, experiments often involve random assignment of participants to different conditions, which helps eliminate potential confounding variables. By controlling the environment and using standardized procedures, researchers can confidently draw conclusions about causality based on their findings. This methodological rigor makes experimental studies the gold standard for investigating causal relationships in psychology. In contrast, correlation studies simply observe and measure relationships between variables without manipulation, making it difficult to establish direct causation. Case studies provide in-depth insights into individual cases but lack the generalizability and control necessary for causal inferences. Surveys can gather a large amount of data on behaviors and attitudes but do not manipulate variables, limiting their ability to demonstrate cause-and-effect.