Questions and Answers
What is nonexperimental research?
What are confounding variables?
Variables that can affect the results when the setting isn't controlled.
Nonexperimental designs can be used in studies where:
What do nonexperimental research designs tend to be closest to?
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What is a disadvantage of nonexperimental research?
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What do nonexperimental studies compare?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of nonexperimental research design?
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The purpose of descriptive studies is to:
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How is bias prevented in descriptive research?
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What are univariant designs used for?
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What does exploratory design aim to do?
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Why is exploratory research particularly useful?
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What does comparative design involve?
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What does longitudinal research design involve?
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What do correlational studies focus on?
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What does the statement 'correlation does not mean cause' imply?
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Study Notes
Nonexperimental Research
- Involves observing variables as they occur naturally without manipulation.
- Data is collected without introducing external variables, ensuring authenticity in real-life situations.
Confounding Variables
- Arise when the research setting is uncontrolled, potentially skewing results despite attempts to maintain control.
Appropriate Use of Nonexperimental Designs
- Suitable when independent variables cannot be controlled or are unethical to manipulate.
- Practical feasibility may limit the use of experimental methods.
Real-Life Application
- Nonexperimental designs closely reflect real-world scenarios, providing insights into authentic behavioral patterns.
Disadvantages
- Results lack absolute clarity and precision; relationships between dependent and independent variables can be ambiguous.
Use Cases for Nonexperimental Studies
- Ideal for comparing groups in non-random, heterogeneous samples.
- Variability among traits can impact the authenticity and generalizability of findings.
Types of Nonexperimental Research
- Descriptive design: Includes univariant, exploratory, and comparative.
- Developmental design: Features cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
- Correlational design: Encompasses prospective and retrospective approaches.
- Epidemiological and survey research designs also fall within this category.
Descriptive Design
- Focuses on observing, describing, and documenting real-world situations as they occur.
- Can contribute to developing theories, identifying problems, justifying practices, and making judgments.
Bias Prevention Strategies
- Employ operational definitions of variables, larger sample sizes, and random sampling techniques.
- Utilize validated research tools and formal data collection methods to minimize bias.
Univariant Designs
- Aim to describe the frequency of occurrence of a phenomenon while being susceptible to human error.
Exploratory Design
- Serves to identify and describe existing phenomena when preexisting information is limited.
- Provides insights that guide subsequent research approaches, including data collection and design choices.
Comparative Design
- Involves contrasting multiple samples based on various variables, typically at a single time point.
Developmental Research Design
- Centers on examining phenomena concerning time, using cross-sectional and longitudinal methodologies.
Cross-Sectional Research Design
- Gathers data at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of a sample.
- Example: measuring public awareness of autism.
Longitudinal Research Design
- Collects data over extended periods, allowing for the observation of changes over time.
Correlational Design
- Investigates the strength of relationships between variables and their correlation, which can be positive or negative.
- Focuses on relationships without any intervention, emphasizing correlation over causation.
Prospective Designs
- Connect the present conditions to future outcomes, generally adopting a longitudinal approach.
- Example: analyzing the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on academic performance.
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Description
Explore the key terms and definitions related to non-experimental research design. This quiz focuses on understanding the characteristics and challenges of observing variables without manipulation. Perfect for students looking to solidify their knowledge in research methods.
