A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following research methods seeks to understand relationships rather than determine causality?

1. Observational studies

2. Experimental studies

3. Correlational studies

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Correlational studies

Correlational studies are designed specifically to examine the relationships between variables without manipulating them. They provide insight into how two or more variables are related, indicating whether they increase or decrease together, or if they have no relationship at all. However, they do not establish causation, meaning they can't definitively show that one variable causes changes in another. In contrast, experimental studies involve manipulation of one variable to observe its effects on another, thus directly testing for causality. Observational studies, while they can reveal relationships, often lack the structured approach of correlational studies and typically focus more on observing behaviors in natural settings without manipulating variables. Therefore, the focus of correlational studies on relationships rather than causal effects makes them the correct answer to the question posed.