ABSTRACT
Correlational studies and causal comparative studies have many more similarities than differences. For example, both designs involve the association between multiple variables, and neither involves manipulation of an independent variable, so the reasons for any associations between variables remain speculative. The difference between correlational studies and causal comparative studies stems from the scale on which the variables are measured. Common variables studied in causal comparative research include sex and gender, race and ethnicity, and language, disability, and socio-economic statuses. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition indicated it is best practice in scientific writing to be as specific as possible whenever labeling groups. In correlational or causal comparative studies, the variables of interest can be measured at the same time or they can be measured at different points in time. A classic correlational study in school psychology might involve the degree of association between intelligence and some type of academic achievement, such as reading comprehension.
