which of the following research designs will allow cause-and-effect conclusions?

The only research design that truly allows cause-and-effect conclusions is an experimental design that uses manipulation of variables and control (typically called an experiment or true experimental design).

Core idea

To conclude that one variable causes change in another, the research must:

• Manipulate an independent variable (IV).

• Measure its effect on a dependent variable (DV).

• Control or rule out other possible causes, usually with control groups and random assignment.

Designs that do this (e.g., randomized controlled experiments) are what allow cause‑and‑effect conclusions.

Why not other common designs?

Many textbook questions contrast experiments with:

• Correlational studies: Measure variables as they naturally occur; can show association but not causation because direction and third variables are not controlled.

• Archival or observational designs: Use existing records or passive observation, which typically lack manipulation and control, so they cannot firmly establish cause and effect.

These designs are useful for prediction and description but not for strong causal claims.

How to answer a multiple‑choice version

When you see the question:

“Which of the following research designs will allow cause‑and‑effect conclusions?”

Choose the option labeled something like:

• “Experimental study”
• “Randomized experiment”
• “True experiment with random assignment and control group”

and avoid answers such as correlational, archival, case study, or survey designs, because those do not, by themselves, justify cause‑and‑effect claims.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.