Which method primarily seeks to track changes resulting from interventions?

Experimental methods are specifically designed to determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables. In these methods, researchers introduce an intervention to observe how it affects the dependent variable. This approach allows for precise control over the environment and conditions under which the research takes place, enabling researchers to isolate the effects of the intervention more effectively than other methods.

By tracking changes resulting from interventions, experimental methods provide insights into how specific variables influence outcomes, thus helping to establish the effectiveness of various strategies or treatments. This is particularly useful in fields such as psychology, public health, and education, where understanding the impact of an intervention is crucial for decision-making and policy formulation.

Comparative research typically looks at differences and similarities between groups rather than manipulating variables. Participant observation involves immersive engagement with a subject or community but doesn’t involve intervention. Surveys gather information from respondents at a single point in time or over time, but they do not manipulate variables to track changes from interventions.