What determines causality in research?

Causality in research is primarily determined through experiments because they allow researchers to manipulate variables and control conditions to observe the effect of one variable on another. In an experimental setting, researchers can establish a cause-and-effect relationship by isolating the variable they are interested in and systematically varying it while keeping all other potential influences constant. This control over variables helps to rule out alternative explanations and strengthens the argument that changes in one variable (the independent variable) directly cause changes in another variable (the dependent variable).

In contrast, observational studies, surveys, and case studies do not typically provide the same level of control over variables. Observational studies may identify correlations, but they cannot definitively establish causality since other confounding factors may influence the results. Surveys gather self-reported data, which can also show relationships but lack the controlled manipulation found in experiments. Case studies offer in-depth insights into specific instances or individuals but do not provide the broad applicability or controlled conditions necessary to determine causal relationships rigorously. Thus, experiments stand out as the gold standard for establishing causality in research.