What can quasi-experimental designs reveal about relationships between variables?

Quasi-experimental designs are particularly valuable for examining relationships between variables, especially in contexts where random assignment is not feasible. They allow researchers to identify general trends and correlations by observing changes in one variable alongside changes in another when employing real-world settings. This design is often used in social sciences, where ethical or practical constraints prevent manipulation of certain variables.

Through quasi-experimental designs, researchers can draw conclusions based on the observed relationships, though they cannot definitively establish causal connections. This limitation is primarily due to the potential influence of confounding variables that are not controlled for in the study. As a result, while quasi-experimental designs provide insights into how variables may be related, they primarily reveal patterns and trends rather than precise causal inferences or deterministic outcomes.