A graduate student at Big State University has begun data collection for a thesis project in which she is asking students about their use of social networking websites. Her primary interest is in determining how often students use these sites, in what ways, and if there are differences across majors. What type of research design is this student using? (Points : 1)

Descriptive research
Correlational research
Experimental research
Physiological research


my answer is correlation research

I agree.

The correct answer is descriptive research. Descriptive research aims to describe or provide a detailed account of a phenomenon or population. In this case, the graduate student is collecting data to understand how often students use social networking websites and in what ways. The focus is on providing information about students' behaviors and attitudes, rather than establishing causal relationships or exploring correlations between variables.

Based on the information provided, the research design being used by the graduate student is descriptive research.

Descriptive research aims to describe and understand a phenomenon or variable by collecting data and analyzing it in order to answer questions about what, when, where, and how. In this case, the student wants to determine how often students use social networking websites, in what ways, and if there are differences across majors.

Correlational research, on the other hand, aims to determine the relationship between two or more variables. It seeks to establish whether there is a statistical relationship or association between variables, but it does not necessarily explain the cause and effect relationship between them. Since the question does not explicitly mention investigating relationships or associations between variables, it is unlikely that correlational research is being used.

Experimental research involves manipulating variables and observing the effects on other variables, with the goal of establishing causation. This design requires the researcher to control and manipulate variables, which is not mentioned in the question.

Physiological research is a type of research that focuses on understanding the functions and processes of living organisms, specifically related to their physiology. This type of research is not mentioned in the question.

Therefore, based on the information provided, the most appropriate research design being used is descriptive research.