Notes

1. EX POST FACTO RESEARCH
Reporter: Ruwena B. Mama

2. Definitions of Ex Post Facto Research
After-the-fact Research/Causal
Comparative Research
 Investigation starts after the fact has occurred.
 Researcher tries to find out the cause behind its
occurrence by going backwards in history.
 Manipulation is not possible.

3. ADVANTAGES
It is considered as a very relevant method in those behavioral
researches where the variables can not be manipulated or
altered.
This research method has an advantage over experimental
research because it can be useful to analyze a cause on the basis
of an effect that is being studied.
 Ex post facto research can also be cheaper and less time
consuming.
 It gives a chance to the researcher to analyze on basis of his
personal opinion and then come out with the best possible
conclusion.

4. DISADVANTAGES
 In ex post facto research designs, the researcher cannot
manipulate variables
 The researcher cannot randomly assign research
subjects to different groups.
 The researcher may not be able to provide a
reasonable explanation for the relationship between the
independent and dependent variables under study.

5. Limitations
Ex Post Facto Research or Causal Comparative
Research have the same limitations as any other
design under non-experimental research that is the
independent variable cannot be manipulated and
the researcher has no control over the other
variables that can be impacting the dependent
variable. Additionally, it is impossible to choose the
experimental groups since the events have already
occurred. (Salkind, 2010)

6. LIMITATIONS
Independent
Variables
cannot be
manipuated
1
Cannot
randomly assign
the subject to
different groups
2
Risk of
improper
interpretation
of result
3
Lack of Scientific Study
regarding the cause
and effect relationship
4

7. Thank You!