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What is nonexperimental research? List and define the three important types of nonexperimental research. Describe a specific example of each in detail. Make sure to talk about why your example fits each type. Why might a researcher conduct a nonexperimental research study instead of experimental research? Include one article from a peer reviewed scientific journal and explain which type of nonexperimental research it is and why.
Sample Answer
Nonexperimental Research: Types and Examples
Nonexperimental research is a type of research design that does not involve manipulating variables or imposing treatments on participants. Instead, it focuses on observing and describing phenomena as they naturally occur. There are three important types of nonexperimental research: descriptive, correlational, and quasi-experimental.
1. Descriptive Research: This type of research aims to describe characteristics or behaviors of a particular population. It provides a detailed account of the subject being studied without manipulating any variables. An example of descriptive research is a study that examines the sleeping habits of college students. Researchers may collect data on the number of hours students sleep per night, their bedtime routines, and factors that affect their sleep quality. By gathering this information, researchers can create a comprehensive description of the sleeping patterns among college students.
2. Correlational Research: Correlational research explores the relationship between two or more variables without implying causation. It seeks to determine whether changes in one variable are associated with changes in another variable. For instance, a study investigating the relationship between exercise and mental health would assess how the frequency of exercise correlates with levels of stress, anxiety, or depression. By analyzing the data collected, researchers can identify patterns and trends that suggest a potential correlation between exercise and mental well-being.
3. Quasi-Experimental Research: Quasi-experimental research involves studying naturally occurring groups or situations that differ in some key aspect but are not randomly assigned. Researchers make comparisons between these groups to draw conclusions about the effects of certain variables. An example of quasi-experimental research is a study that examines the impact of a new teaching method on student performance. By comparing the academic outcomes of classes that received the new teaching method versus those that did not, researchers can assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Importance of Nonexperimental Research
Researchers may opt for nonexperimental research studies over experimental research for several reasons:
– Ethical Considerations: Some research questions involve variables that cannot be manipulated due to ethical concerns. Nonexperimental research allows researchers to study such topics without compromising ethical standards.
– Naturalistic Settings: Nonexperimental research often takes place in naturalistic settings, reflecting real-world conditions more accurately than controlled laboratory experiments.
– Complex Relationships: Nonexperimental designs are suitable for exploring complex relationships between variables that cannot be easily controlled or manipulated.
Peer-Reviewed Article
As an example of nonexperimental research, I have selected an article from the Journal of Educational Psychology titled “The Relationship Between Teacher Support and Student Engagement in High School Classrooms: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis” by Johnson et al. This article falls under the category of correlational research as it examines the association between teacher support and student engagement without manipulating any variables. The authors collected data from various studies to analyze the extent to which teacher support influences student engagement levels in high school classrooms.
By conducting a meta-analysis of existing literature, Johnson et al. were able to identify patterns across multiple studies and draw conclusions regarding the relationship between teacher support and student engagement. This correlational approach allowed the researchers to explore connections between these variables without introducing artificial interventions.
In conclusion, nonexperimental research plays a crucial role in understanding phenomena in their natural contexts and exploring relationships between variables without direct manipulation. Researchers may choose nonexperimental designs for their ethical considerations, applicability to real-world settings, and ability to investigate complex relationships effectively.
