Final answer:
The research method used to explore cause-and-effect relationships is the experimental method, which involves controlled experiments to manipulate variables and observe outcomes to determine causality.
The Correct Option is;a. the experimental method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research method used to explore cause-and-effect relationships between variables is the experimental method. In scientific research, conducting a controlled experiment is crucial for determining causality.
An experiment involves formulating an experimental hypothesis, manipulating one or more variables, and observing the outcome to confirm or falsify the hypothesis. This method allows researchers to establish a clear connection between the independent variable (cause) and the dependent variable (effect).
Unlike other methods such as naturalistic observation, which allows observation of behavior in a natural setting, or the correlational method, which identifies relationships between variables without establishing direct causation, the experimental method can demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship.