What type of research design assesses the relationship between variables without manipulating them?

The chosen answer is a correlational research design, which is focused on examining the relationships between two or more variables without any manipulation. In correlational research, researchers observe and measure variables as they naturally occur, seeking to determine whether changes in one variable are associated with changes in another. This type of study enables the identification of trends and associations, providing insights into how variables are related to one another in the real world.

For example, a correlational study might explore the relationship between study hours and exam scores among students. Researchers would collect data on how many hours students study and their respective scores, and then analyze this data to identify any potential relationships.

Correlational research is valuable because it can help inform future hypotheses or research questions and guide further investigation. However, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation, meaning that while a relationship may exist, it does not prove that one variable causes the changes in another.

In contrast, other types of research design serve different purposes. For instance, experimental designs involve the manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, while descriptive research focuses on providing an overview or snapshot of a specific situation without exploring relationships. Qualitative research is primarily concerned with exploring experiences and meanings through non-numerical data,