Table 1 Summary of physical control and analytic control approaches
From: Experience sampling method studies in physical activity research: the relevance of causal reasoning
| Â | Physical control approach | Analytic control approach |
|---|---|---|
Description | Exposure is manipulated to reduce or eliminate its association with confounding variables | Confounding variables identified by the DAG are assessed and statistically adjusted for during the estimation phase |
Design type | (Quasi-)Experimental | Observational |
Advantages | • Eliminates need to identify all confounders • Likely to create more variation in levels of the exposure | • Does not require a manipulable exposure |
Limitations | • Requires a manipulable exposure • Participants must be willing to place the behavior of interest under experimental control | • Relies on accurate identification and assessment of all confounders • Requires precise timing of the assessment of exposure, outcome, and covariates |