Explain the conditions that must be met in order for a researcher to infer a causal effect?
Dependent Variable: A symbol or concept expected to be explained or influenced by the independent variable. One affects the dependent variable by manipulating the independent variable deemed to be associated with the dependent variable.
Independent Variable: A symbol or concept over which the research has some control and that is hypothesized to cause or influence the dependent variable.
Identifying Causality:
A causal relationship cannot be absolutely proven but it may be inferred from research results.
Evidence of causality:
1. The appropriate temporal order of events
2. Concomitant variation
3. An absence of alternative plausible explanations