After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Explain the ways in which causal assertions can be verified.
   
• Identify the types and characteristics of randomized experiments.
   
• Discuss quasi-experimental design.
   
• Relate how natural experiments, including intervention analysis, work.
   
• Describe intervention analysis.
   
• Summarize different types of observational studies, such as small-N designs and crosssectional designs.
   
• Relate the benefits of times series design.