FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which type of research is used to describe the statistical association between two or more variables without direct manipulation?

1. Experimental research

2. Qualitative research

3. Comparative descriptive research

4. Correlation research

The correct answer is: Correlation research

Correlation research is specifically designed to identify and describe the statistical relationships between two or more variables without any direct manipulation. This type of research examines how changes in one variable might relate to changes in another, thus providing insights into potential associations or patterns between the variables. For instance, it can reveal whether an increase in study time correlates with higher test scores, thereby indicating a relationship without establishing cause and effect. In contrast, experimental research involves the manipulation of one variable to create changes in another, allowing researchers to establish causal relationships. Qualitative research focuses on exploring phenomena through in-depth understanding rather than quantifying relationships, often using descriptive data rather than numerical measures. Comparative descriptive research, while it may compare groups or variables, doesn't strictly measure correlations between them in the way correlation research does. Therefore, correlation research is unique in its approach to understanding variable relationships without direct intervention.