Causal research

Causal research, also called explanatory research. is the investigation of (research into) cause-and-effect relationships. In order to determine causality, it is important to observe variation in the variable that is assumed to cause the change in the other variable(s), and then measure the changes in the other variable(s). Other confounding influences need to be controlled for so they don't distort the results, either by holding them constant in the experimental creation of data, or by using statistical methods. This type of research is very complex and the researcher can never be completely certain that there are not other factors influencing the causal relationship, especially when dealing with people’s attitudes and motivations. There are often much deeper psychological considerations that even the respondent may not be aware of.