Intervention research shifts the focus from causal connection to causal explanation. What does this mean?

Question

a. It allows correlational research determining connection to stand in the place of causal explanation.
b. It provides theoretical explanations of why an independent variable produces an effect, rather than merely reporting findings.
c. It may use studies that establish causal connection as impetus points, but it proceeds on to descriptive research whenever possible, to explain.
d. It utilizes experimental research, whenever possible, to establish cause definitively.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Intervention research is a methodology that holds great promise as a more effective way of testing interventions. It shifts the focus from causal connection to causal explanation. In causal connection, the focus of a study is to provide evidence that the intervention contributes to the outcome. In causal explanation, in addition to demonstrating that the intervention causes the outcome, the researcher must provide scientific evidence to explain why the intervention contributes to changes in outcomes and how it does so. Causal explanation is theory based. Thus, research focused on causal explanation is guided by theory, and the findings are expressed theoretically (see Chapter 7). Researchers employ a broad base of methodologies, including qualitative studies, to examine the effectiveness of an intervention. Qualitative approaches offer substantial value to the development, feasibility, and validation of nursing interventions.