To a comparativist, which would be of more value: discovery of a correlation or discovery of a causal relationship? Why?
A)correlation, because it demonstrates more empirically that two variables are interrelated
B)causal relationship, because it describes a more concrete, specific relationship between two variables
C)correlation, because it is more valuable for quantitative research findings
D)causal relationship, because it is more valuable for qualitative research findings
E)neither, as both terms describe essentially the same relationship between two variables

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A causal relationship is more valuable to a comparativist because it describes a specific relationship between two variables, rather than just a correlation or association. This helps the comparativist to better understand the underlying causes of differences or similarities between cases, which is the main goal of comparative research. Correlations may be useful for identifying patterns and generating hypotheses, but they do not provide the same level of explanatory power as causal relationships.

To a Comparativist, Which Would Be of More Value: Discovery