Ex Post Facto (Causal-

Comparative) Research

• Explores possible causes and effects

• The independent variable is not manipulated,
it has already been applied
• Focuses first on the effect, then attempts to
determine what caused the observed effect.
Characteristics
of
Experimental
Research
• There is a control or comparison group
• Subjects are randomly assigned to
groups
• The treatment is randomly assigned to
groups.

Characteristics
of Quasi-

E
x
p
e
r
i
m
e
n
t
a
l

R
e
s
e
a
r
c
h

• There is a control or comparison group

• Intact groups are used
• The treatment is randomly assigned to
groups.

Characteristics
of Ex Post

F
ac
to
R
es
ea
rc
h

• There is a control or comparison group

• Intact groups are used
• The treatment is not manipulated, it
has already occurred.
 Ex Post
Facto
(Causal-
Comparative)
Research

• Explores possible causes and effects

• The independent variable is not manipulated,
it has already been applied
• Focuses first on the effect, then attempts to
determine what caused the observed effect

Ex Post Facto (also called Causal Comparative Research) is useful whenever:

• We have two groups which differ on an independent variable and we want to test
hypotheses about differences on one or more dependent variables OR
• We have two groups which already differ on a dependent variable and we want to test
hypotheses about differences on one or more independent variables
Applied research is research that is applied, accessing and using some part of the
research communities' (the academy's) accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and
techniques, for a specific, often state, commercial, or client driven purpose. Applied
research is often opposed to pure research in debates about research ideals, programs, and
projects.

Although it is impossible to generalize completely, Applied Research deals with practical

problems and is generally empirical. Because applied research resides in the messy real
world, strict research protocols must often be relaxed. For example, it may be impossible
to use a random sample. Thus, transparency in the methodology is critical. Implications
for interpretation of results brought about by relaxing a more or less strict cannon of
methodology should also be developed.

The OECD's Frascati Manual outlines three forms of research. These are basic research,
applied research and experimental development:

Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new

knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observable facts, without any
particular application or use in view. Applied research is also original investigation
undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards
a specific practical aim or objective. Experimental development is systematic work,
drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which
is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes,
systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
([1]2.1.64)