What type of research predicts behavior and observes the relationship between two variables?

The answer pertains to correlation research, which specifically focuses on identifying and measuring the relationship between two variables. This type of research does not manipulate variables, allowing researchers to observe naturally occurring variations and assess how they are related. For instance, if a researcher wants to examine the relationship between study habits and academic performance, they would collect data on both variables and use statistical methods to determine if a correlation exists.

In correlation research, the findings are often presented in terms of correlation coefficients, which indicate the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. A positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other does as well, while a negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other decreases. This allows for predictions about behavior based on the observed relationships.

Descriptive research, while useful for summarizing and portraying behavioral data, does not delve into relationships or predictive aspects. Experimental research involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, rather than merely observing the relationship between them. Lastly, case study research provides in-depth insights into a specific instance or individual but lacks the broader application of correlational relationships. Thus, correlation research is the most fitting choice for predicting behavior by examining the interplay between two variables.