Jon wants to test his hypothesis that suburban residents use more energy per person than residents of urban areas by comparing the numbers between the two groups. Jon is using which type of research method?

Jon is employing a quantitative research method. This approach involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends within the data. In this case, Jon is interested in comparing energy usage between suburban and urban residents, which suggests he will gather measurable data, such as energy consumption figures, and analyze these figures statistically to draw conclusions.

Quantitative research is particularly effective for testing hypotheses because it allows researchers to quantify variables and determine if a significant difference exists between the groups being studied. By focusing on numerical comparisons, Jon is set to produce objective results that can either support or refute his hypothesis regarding energy usage.

Other research methods, such as causal, qualitative, or inductive, do not fit Jon’s approach as closely. A causal method would focus on establishing a cause-and-effect relationship rather than just comparing usage. Qualitative research involves non-numerical data and seeks to understand concepts, thoughts, or experiences, which is not aligned with Jon’s quantitative comparison. Inductive research typically begins with specific observations to formulate broader generalizations, contrasting with Jon's hypothesis-testing framework that starts with a more general hypothesis to be tested quantitatively.