Understanding Quantitative Research Methods

Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes true experimental design from quasi-experimental design?

True experimental design does not manipulate independent variables.

Control groups are always used in quasi-experimental designs.

Quasi-experimental designs can have multiple treatment groups.

Randomization is not used in quasi-experimental designs. (correct)

Which of these designs is considered the weakest form of experimental research?

Time Series Design

Pretest-Posttest Control Group

One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design (correct)

Solomon Four Group Design

In a Solomon Four Group Design, how many groups are generally created?

Three

One

Four (correct)

Two

What does the term 'counterbalancing' refer to in experimental design?

Controlling for order effects by varying treatment sequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which design allows for the observation of trends over time with repeated measures?

Time series design Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pre-experimental research designs?

They typically lack a control group. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a non-randomized control group design, what is a distinguishing feature?

The absence of a treatment in the control group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following designs includes a treatment phase followed by multiple posttests?

Time Series Design Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of true experimental research design?

It includes a control group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes manipulation in experimental research?

Conscious control of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

In a quasi-experimental design, how do researchers typically assign subjects?

Subject assignment is based on the convenience of the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these research designs is classified as non-experimental?

One-shot case study Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a control group in experimental research?

To isolate the effect of the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

How does randomization benefit experimental research?

It ensures subjects are equally likely to be assigned to any group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an experimental research title?

Effect of Types of Soil and Fertilizer on the Growth of Papaya Tree. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about quasi-experimental designs?

They can still provide valuable insights despite lack of randomness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of non-experimental research design?

The researcher observes phenomena as they occur naturally. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an appropriate use of non-experimental research design?

Investigating the impact of legislation on public health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of descriptive design in research?

To observe and document aspects of a situation. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines survey research?

It collects limited data from a large number of cases. Signup and view all the answers

What does correlational research investigate?

The joint variability of two or more variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of tracer studies?

To follow up on the development of certain individuals over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is employed in developmental studies to gather information over time?

Longitudinal method. Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of cross-sectional studies?

They examine various participants at the same point in time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session Objectives

Participants will learn to describe experimental and non-experimental research designs.
Ability to determine sample size and sampling procedures is a target outcome.

Classification of Quantitative Research Design

Two main branches: Experimental and Non-Experimental Research Designs.
Experimental designs further categorized into True, Quasi, and Pre-Experimental types.
Non-Experimental designs are based on descriptive, correlational, comparative, and evaluative purposes.

Experimental Research Design

Complete control over extraneous variables leading to confidence that observed effects on the dependent variable are due solely to manipulation of the independent variable.
Examples of research titles include studies on soil types' impact on papaya growth and feed types' effects on tilapia growth in saline environments.

Characteristics of True Experimental Design

Manipulation: Direct control over the independent variable.
Control: Utilization of control groups to minimize the influence of extraneous variables.
Randomization: Ensures every subject has an equal chance of being assigned to either experimental or control groups.

Types of True Experimental Designs

Pretest-Posttest Control Group: Involves both experimental and control groups with assessments before and after treatment.
Posttest Only Control Design: Measures outcomes only after treatment.
Solomon Four Group Design: Combines multiple groups using varied pretest and treatment conditions to assess effects comprehensively.

Quasi-Experimental Design

Manipulation of independent variables without randomization or control groups.
Uses quasi-independent variables instead of true independent variables.

Non-Experimental Research Design

Observes phenomena naturally without manipulating variables or controlling the setting.
Useful when:
- Independent variables cannot be manipulated.
- Ethical concerns prevent manipulation.
- Practicality limits experimental methods.

Descriptive Research Design

Aims to observe and document situations as they occur, often serving as a foundation for hypothesis generation or theory development.

Survey Research

Gathers data from a large population to assess prevailing conditions or study variables; e.g., teachers' perceptions of leadership practices.

Assessment or Evaluation Studies

Evaluates the efficiency or effectiveness of policies or variables.
Example: Understanding factors affecting teacher compliance with school improvement programs.

Correlational Research

Investigates relationships between two or more variables, such as IQ and academic performance.

Tracer Studies

Follows the development of specific conditions or individuals over time, like tracking employability of graduates.

Developmental Studies

Provides reliable information about specific groups over extended periods.
Longitudinal Method: Studies the same participants over time, such as assessing student dropout rates over five years.
Cross-Sectional Method: Studies different participants at a single point in time, such as evaluating emotional intelligence among secondary students.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts of quantitative research methods, including experimental and non-experimental research designs. Participants will learn to describe various designs and determine appropriate sample sizes and sampling procedures. Ideal for education professionals looking to deepen their understanding of research methodologies.