Question

Among the advantages of descriptive/correlational research is (are): A. it allows investigators to isolate cause and effect. B. it permits researchers to study variables that would be impossible to manipulate. C. it can demonstrate conclusively that two variables are causally related. D. both a and b.

Short answer

A. Allows investigators to isolate cause and effect B. Permits researchers to study variables that would be impossible to manipulate C. Demonstrates conclusively that two variables are causally related D. Both A and B are correct Answer: B. Permits researchers to study variables that would be impossible to manipulate

Step-by-step solution

Understand descriptive and correlational research

Descriptive research aims to observe and describe the characteristics of variables without manipulating them. Correlational research examines the relationship between two variables to determine whether a change in one variable is associated with a change in the other variable.

Analyze option A

Option A states that descriptive/correlational research allows investigators to isolate cause and effect. This is not true, as these types of research cannot establish causal relationships. They can only describe variables or examine their relationship.

Analyze option B

Option B states that descriptive/correlational research permits researchers to study variables that would be impossible to manipulate. This is accurate, as both descriptive and correlational research focus on exploring the relationships and characteristics of variables that cannot be manipulated, such as those related to ethnicity, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

Analyze option C

Option C states that descriptive/correlational research can demonstrate conclusively that two variables are causally related. This is not accurate, as these types of research cannot establish causality. Correlational research can only show potential relationships between variables, but it cannot determine whether one variable causes the other.

Analyze option D

Option D states both A and B are correct. However, we found that option A is not accurate, so option D is also incorrect.

Select the correct answer

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is option B: it permits researchers to study variables that would be impossible to manipulate. This is an advantage of descriptive/correlational research, as it allows for the exploration of variables that otherwise could not be studied due to ethical or practical reasons.