Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main difference between causal-comparative research and experimental research?
What is the main difference between causal-comparative research and experimental research?
- Experimental research involves controlling the independent variable, while causal-comparative research does not. (correct)
- Causal-comparative research provides greater control over research procedures than experimental research.
- Experimental research focuses on comparing groups on dependent variables, while causal-comparative research does not.
- Causal-comparative research involves selecting test measures, while experimental research does not.
In experimental research, what aspect provides the greatest degree of control over the research procedures?
In experimental research, what aspect provides the greatest degree of control over the research procedures?
- Control over the independent variable (correct)
- Selection of participants only
- Choosing a test or measure
- Applying different programs or treatments to groups
What is a key characteristic of experimental research settings?
What is a key characteristic of experimental research settings?
- Selection of dependent variables only
- Control over conditions in the research setting (correct)
- Random selection of participants
- Absence of control over conditions
Which factor distinguishes intervention effects measurement in experimental research?
Which factor distinguishes intervention effects measurement in experimental research?
In quantitative research, what type of control does experimental research have over the independent variable?
In quantitative research, what type of control does experimental research have over the independent variable?
What is the main difference between causal-comparative research and experimental research?
What is the main difference between causal-comparative research and experimental research?
What is one key consideration when choosing a quantitative research approach?
What is one key consideration when choosing a quantitative research approach?
Which term is used to refer to the characteristic believed to make a difference in causal-comparative research?
Which term is used to refer to the characteristic believed to make a difference in causal-comparative research?
In quantitative research, what is the role of standardized methodologies?
In quantitative research, what is the role of standardized methodologies?
What type of research is also known as ex-post facto research?
What type of research is also known as ex-post facto research?
Which factor influences the methodological rigor in quantitative research?
Which factor influences the methodological rigor in quantitative research?
In causal-comparative research, what does the researcher have no control over?
In causal-comparative research, what does the researcher have no control over?
What does research control over dependent variables aim to achieve?
What does research control over dependent variables aim to achieve?
What is the dependent variable in a study focusing on the relationship between admission test scores and first semester college grades?
What is the dependent variable in a study focusing on the relationship between admission test scores and first semester college grades?
In quantitative research, what distinguishes causal studies from non-causal studies?
In quantitative research, what distinguishes causal studies from non-causal studies?
Which type of research requires that the alleged cause be under the control of the researcher and be manipulated?
Which type of research requires that the alleged cause be under the control of the researcher and be manipulated?
What is a key factor in determining if an intervention effect will be measured in a study?
What is a key factor in determining if an intervention effect will be measured in a study?
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Study Notes
Causal-Comparative Research
- Involves comparing at least two different groups on some dependent variable or measurement performance (effect).
- Example: comparing long-time smokers and non-smokers to determine the frequency of lung cancer diagnoses.
Experimental Research
- Distinguishing feature: researcher controls the alleged independent variable.
- Provides the greatest degree of control over research procedures.
- Involves:
- Selecting participants and dividing them into two groups.
- Applying different programs or treatments to the groups.
- Controlling conditions in the research setting.
- Selecting a test or measure to determine the effects of the treatments on the groups.
Quantitative Approach
- Standardized methodologies ensure statistical techniques are public and can be duplicated.
- Forces the investigator to think about the measurement of key factors (i.e., variables) and whether they actually measure intended concepts.
Key Considerations on Choosing Quantitative Approach
- Purpose of the study:
- Decide if the study is exploratory, descriptive, and/or conducted to test hypothesis.
- Methodological rigor and sophistication should increase as the researcher moves from exploratory to hypothesis testing.
- Types of investigation:
- Causal, correlational, or group differences.
- Is the research trying to determine reasons or not?
- Is the study causal or non-causal?
- Is there control over independent variables?
- Will there be an intervention to be introduced whose effects will be measured?
- Research control and concerns:
- Preventing/limiting influences/effects on the dependent variable.
- Extent to which the researcher would interfere with the normal flow of events.
- Presence of mediating variables.
Causal-Comparative Research vs. Experimental Research
- Both aim to make cause-effect statements about two or more phenomena.
- Difference lies in the amount of control the researcher has over the comparisons studied.
- In experimental research, the alleged cause is under the control of the researcher and is manipulated.
- In causal-comparative research, the alleged cause has already occurred and cannot be manipulated (e.g., gender, height, etc.).
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