Explanatory studies are generally aimed at which of the following?

Explanatory studies focus primarily on testing hypotheses in order to verify or clarify the relationships between different variables. These studies are designed to establish cause-and-effect connections and answer questions related to "why" something occurs. By conducting an explanatory study, researchers can ascertain not only whether variables are related, but also the nature of those relationships, thus contributing to a more nuanced understanding of a phenomenon.

Explanatory research often employs quantitative methods which can involve experiments or surveys that allow for statistical analysis. This systematic approach is crucial for identifying patterns and determining the strength and direction of relationships, which is a core aim of testing hypotheses in the field of social work and research more broadly.

While qualitative insights and general explorations are valuable, they typically fall under descriptive or exploratory research, which focuses on observation and understanding rather than hypothesis testing. Thus, the other approaches serve different purposes within the broader spectrum of research methodologies.