What type of studies are utilized to determine the effects of an intervention?

The correct answer pertains to quasi-experimental research, which is particularly useful in educational technology and other fields when assessing the effects of an intervention. This type of study allows researchers to evaluate the impact of an intervention on the participants while not necessarily randomly assigning them to different groups. This methodology is often selected due to practical constraints in educational settings where randomization may not be feasible.

In quasi-experimental research, the focus is on observing the outcomes of an intervention in a natural setting where some level of comparison is possible. This is especially valuable when trying to measure the effectiveness of educational programs, technologies, or methodologies. Researchers can analyze changes resulting from the intervention by comparing a group that receives the treatment with a similar group that does not.

While other options like experimental research also assess the effects of interventions, quasi-experimental designs are often more applicable in real-world settings where adherence to strict randomization isn't possible. Descriptive studies and opinion articles do not measure intervention effects directly; rather, descriptive studies summarize data without manipulating variables, and opinion articles provide viewpoints without empirical research backing. Thus, quasi-experimental research stands out as the most appropriate method for evaluating intervention effects in many practical scenarios.