ABSTRACT
The issue of causality and, hence, predictability has exercised the minds of researchers considerably (Smith, 1991:177). One response to the problem has been in qualitative research that defines causality in the terms of the participants (Chapter 6). Another response has been in the operation of control, and it finds its apotheosis in the experimental design. If rival causes or explanations can be eliminated from a study then, it is argued, clear causality can be established, the model can explain outcomes. Smith (1991:177) claims the high ground for the experimental approach, arguing that it is the only method that directly concerns itself with causality; this, clearly is contestable, as we show in Chapters 6-9, and 13 of this book.
