Final Answer:
Experimental research is characterized by the manipulation of an independent variable (IV) to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV) within a specific population. The correct answer is A) Experimental research.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this context, the keywords IV and DV suggest a controlled experiment where the researcher systematically changes one variable (IV) to measure its impact on another variable (DV). This aligns with the fundamental principles of experimental research, making option A the most suitable choice.
Experimental research involves the careful design and implementation of controlled experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. The IV is the variable manipulated by the researcher, and the DV is the variable measured to assess the outcome. The mention of population implies that the study aims to generalize findings to a broader group. The experimental design allows researchers to infer causation, providing a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry.
Correlational research (option B) explores relationships between variables but does not involve manipulation, making it less appropriate for the given keywords. Descriptive research (option C) focuses on describing phenomena without manipulation. Exploratory research (option D) aims to gain insights into a topic but lacks the controlled manipulation of variables. Therefore, experimental research best fits the criteria outlined by the keywords IV, DV, and population, aligning with the principles of rigorous scientific investigation.