The best way to distinguish between experimental and post-facto research is to discover whether
A) the independent variable has been confounded
B) the independent variable has been manipulated or assigned
C) the dependent variable has been manipulated or assigned
D) the appropriate statistical test has been used

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In experimental research, the researcher manipulates or assigns the independent variable, while in post-facto research, the independent variable is not manipulated or assigned but is rather observed as it naturally occurs. Therefore, the best way to distinguish between the two is to discover whether the independent variable has been manipulated or assigned, which is the case in experimental research (Choice B). Confounding variables (Choice A), dependent variable manipulation or assignment (Choice C), and appropriate statistical tests (Choice D) may also be important considerations in research design, but they do not differentiate between experimental and post-facto research methods.

The Best Way to Distinguish Between Experimental and Post-Facto Research