Non-manipulation quantitative designs

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rumrill, Jr., Phillip D.

Affiliations: Kent State University, Department of Educational Foundations & Special Services, Center for Disability Studies, 413 White Hall, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. Tel.: +1 330 672 0600; Fax: +1 330 672 2512; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The article describes non-manipulation quantitative designs of two types, correlational and causal comparative studies. Both of these designs are characterized by the absence of random assignment of research participants to conditions or groups and non-manipulation of the independent variable. Without random selection or manipulation of the independent variable, no attempt is made to draw causal inferences regarding relationships between independent and dependent variables. Nonetheless, non-manipulation studies play an important role in rehabilitation research, as described in this article. Examples from the contemporary rehabilitation literature are included.

Keywords: correlational research, causal comparative studies, non-manipulation designs

Journal: Work, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 255-260, 2004