Which research design analyzes relationships without manipulating the independent variable?

• A. Experimental design
• B. Quasi-experimental design
• C. Non-experimental design
• D. Descriptive design

Answer: (C)

Analyzing relationships between variables without manipulating the independent variable is what non-experimental design does. In this approach, you observe variables as they occur, measure them as they exist, and look for associations rather than trying to change conditions. Because there’s no manipulation, any observed relationship could be influenced by other factors, so causation can’t be claimed. This contrasts with experimental design, where the researcher actively changes the independent variable and controls conditions to test causal effects. Quasi-experimental designs involve some manipulation but lack full random assignment, while descriptive designs focus on describing characteristics without focusing on relationships between variables. In non-experimental work, you might use correlational analyses or observational methods to explore associations, keeping in mind that the evidence for cause-and-effect is limited.