Post Facto

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Post Facto Definition

Research with ex post facto design is often referred to after the fact. That is, studies conducted after an incident occurs. Known also as restrictive study because this study is a research tracing back to an event or an event and then trace backwards to determine the factors that may cause the incident. In a more specific, (Furchan, 383:2002) describes that the ex post facto research is research conducted after the differences in the independent variable occurs due to the development of a natural occurrence. Ex post facto research is research that independent variables have been treated or treatment is not performed when the study took place, so this study is usually separated by a research experiment. Researchers want to track back, if possible, what are the factors causing the occurrence of something.

Post Facto Approach

It is important in ex post facto approach is the absence of manipulation of variables. In the above case, can be approximated by the ex post facto by looking at the situation of class A and B, which previously held no manipulation. That is, the class goes naturally. For example, the exam results of class A and B show the difference from one student to another student. From these results, the classification made ​​between students who have a high value to students who have a low value. Then connected between the anxiety with the results of value. For example, found the conclusion that the value above the average done by students who have anxiety. Therefore, the influence of the student's anxiety affects exam results, is the better.

Research using this approach certainly has its drawbacks. From the above case can be seen an opening weakness that could be a third factor in addition to the anxiety that make test scores rise. It is possible the existence of a third factor, namely intelligence. In addition to anxiety, it could be possible that anxiety is another situation, while the intelligence became a major supporter.

Post facto shortage

no control over the independent variables. it is difficult to obtain assurance that the underlying factors that are relevant has completely covered in groups of factors are being investigated.

1. The fact that the causative factor is not the sole factor, but the combination and interaction of various factors under certain conditions to produce an effect that was witnessed, because very complex causes.
2. A symptom may not only be the result of multiple causes, but can also be caused by something because at certain events and by other causes in other events.
3. If the mutual relationship between two variables has been found, it may be difficult to determine where the cause and which effect.
4. The fact that two, or more, interconnected factors are not necessarily implies a causal relationship.
5. Classifies classify subjects into dichotomous categories (it smart class and dumb group) for comparison purposes, raises problems, because the categories are blurred nature, varied, and not steady.
6. Comparative study in a natural situation does not allow the selection of subjects in a controlled manner. Placing of existing groups that have similarities in many respects except in the case show to the independent variable is very difficult.

Post Facto Excess 

This method is good for a variety of circumstances that are more powerful methods, namely the experimental method, can not be used. If it is not always possible to select, control, and manipulate the factors that need to investigate the causal relationship directly. When controlling for all variables except the independent variable is not realistic and made-up, which prevents normal interaction with other influential variables.

If the control in the laboratory for various research purposes is impractical, too expensive, or in terms of doubtful or questionable ethics. Causal-comparative studies yield very useful information about the properties of phenomena in question: what is in line with what, under what conditions, on how prurient and patterns, and similar to it. Improvements in terms of techniques, statistical methods, and design with partial control, in recent years has made a causal comparative study it more accountable.

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Posted in: Methods