Which type of research provides the strongest evidence about cause-and-effect relationships?

Which type of research provides the strongest evidence about cause-and-effect relationships?

Options:

(a) Non-experimental research

(b) Experimental research

✅ Correct Option: (b) Experimental research

Explanation (200+ words):

Experimental research provides the strongest evidence for cause-and-effect relationships because it involves manipulation of the independent variable and control of extraneous variables. Participants are often randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, reducing bias and increasing internal validity. By controlling conditions, researchers can confidently attribute changes in the dependent variable to the independent variable. This level of control is not possible in non-experimental designs. In education, experimental research is used to evaluate teaching methods, interventions, and programs. Its structured design makes it the most powerful approach for establishing causality.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Establishes causality. Uses manipulation. Includes control groups. Often uses random assignment. High internal validity. Experimental design is structured. Reduces confounding variables. Used in intervention studies. Strong scientific evidence. Common in quantitative research.