DECADECA Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

Which type of research is aimed at testing hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships?

1. Descriptive research

2. Causal research

3. Exploratory research

4. Qualitative research

The correct answer is: Causal research

Causal research is specifically designed to identify and test hypotheses regarding cause-and-effect relationships. This type of research typically involves manipulating one variable to observe the effect it has on another variable, thereby establishing a causal link. Researchers often use experiments and controlled studies in causal research to ensure that they can isolate the impact of specific factors. Descriptive research, on the other hand, focuses on providing a detailed account of a situation or population without delving into the relationship between variables. Exploratory research seeks to understand a problem or phenomenon more deeply, often before a hypothesis is formed, making it less suited for testing cause-and-effect relationships. Qualitative research mainly emphasizes understanding human behavior and experiences through non-numerical data, thus focusing on subjective insights rather than causal inference. All these other methods serve valuable purposes in research but do not specifically address testing hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in the manner that causal research does.