Which research question format involves comparing two or more groups based on a specific treatment or intervention?

The research question format that involves comparing two or more groups based on a specific treatment or intervention is characterized by the ability to manipulate an independent variable and observe the effects on a dependent variable. This type of design is known as experimental research. In experimental research, participants are typically assigned randomly to different groups, such as a treatment group and a control group, which allows researchers to determine causality. This format is essential in clinical trials and other studies aimed at establishing the effectiveness of interventions.

Comparative research questions, while similar, typically focus on the differences between groups without the active manipulation of the treatment, often leading to the exploration of relationships rather than direct cause-and-effect conclusions. Correlational research questions, on the other hand, look for relationships between variables without assigning groups or interventions. Descriptive research questions aim to provide a snapshot of a particular phenomenon without comparing groups or examining relationships. All these differences highlight why the experimental format is the most suitable for comparing groups based on specific treatments or interventions.