How does correlational research differ from experimental research?

Correlational research is designed to examine the relationships between two or more variables without the researcher manipulating any of these variables. This approach allows researchers to identify patterns or associations, such as whether an increase in one variable corresponds with an increase or decrease in another, without establishing a cause-and-effect link.

In contrast, experimental research involves manipulation of one or more variables and typically includes control groups to measure the effect of that manipulation. This allows researchers to make causal inferences about the relationships between variables. The ability of correlational research to assess relationships without manipulation makes it particularly useful in situations where experiments cannot be ethically or practically conducted, such as studying naturally occurring conditions or variables.

The other options misrepresent the nature of correlational research, as they suggest aspects related to experimentation or specific conditions not inherent to the correlational approach.