Final answer:
A comparative analysis is conducted to determine if one intervention is more effective than another, such as in controlled experiments comparing a treatment group with a control group.
Step-by-step explanation:
A comparative analysis is primarily aimed at examining a subject or issue from more than one perspective. When referenced in the context of scientific experimentation or social sciences research, it often involves comparing two or more groups to determine the effectiveness of various interventions or treatments. When we look at the options provided in the question, option B) is the most accurate answer. A comparative analysis is conducted to determine if one intervention is more effective than another. This can be part of controlled experiments, where researchers compare an experimental group to a control group to draw conclusions on the efficacy of a treatment or an intervention. For example, in conservation efforts, a comparative analysis might involve using a counterfactual design, comparing conservation interventions in similar units such as villages or forest patches (treatment group) with units that do not receive the intervention (control group). Similarly, in psychology or health sciences, a comparative analysis might involve a double-blind study to assess the efficacy of a new drug or therapeutic method.