What are the strengths of correlation research, observational/descriptive research, and experiments?
Check this site.
http://www.gerardkeegan.co.uk/resource/research.htm
Mrs. Sue Could you help me? I am making a chart describing the description, uses, strengths, and weaknesses of observational, correlation, and experimental research. My problem is that I am not understanding the difference between the description and the uses.
You might use the observational approach by watching children's behavior in a preschool class. The site above lists several strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
The correlational technique plots two sets of data on a chart. The above website correlates hours spent studying with a grade on a test.
The experimental approach is a controlled experiment. The classical example of the mouse in a cage -- perhaps testing time in learning new tasks -- as in a maze. This part, too, gives the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Correlation research, observational/descriptive research, and experiments each have their own strengths. Let's explore the strengths of each type of research:
1. Correlation research:
Correlation research examines the relationship between two or more variables. Its strengths include:
a. Exploring associations: Correlation research helps identify and quantify the strength and direction of relationships between variables.
b. Real-world applicability: It provides a useful tool for studying phenomena as they naturally occur, without intervention or manipulation by the researcher.
c. Large-scale studies: Correlation research can be conducted on a large scale, gathering data from a wide range of sources, making it suitable for studying complex relationships.
To conduct correlation research, you can gather data from existing sources, such as surveys, databases, or research studies, and analyze it using statistical methods like correlation coefficients.
2. Observational/Descriptive research:
Observational research involves observing and describing behaviors or phenomena without manipulating them. Its strengths include:
a. Naturalistic: Researchers can observe behaviors in their natural contexts, yielding insights into real-world situations.
b. Ethical advantages: Some topics may be unethical to manipulate, making observational research the only viable option. It allows researchers to study phenomena without interfering or causing harm.
c. Initial exploration: Descriptive research can serve as an initial stage in studying a topic, providing a foundation for future research.
To conduct observational research, you directly observe and record behaviors, using techniques like structured or unstructured observations, ethnography, or case studies.
3. Experiments:
Experiments involve manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships. Their strengths include:
a. Causality determination: Experiments allow researchers to establish causal relationships between variables by manipulating independent variables and measuring their impact on dependent variables.
b. Control: Researchers have control over various aspects of the study, enabling them to eliminate or minimize confounding factors.
c. Replicability: Well-designed experiments can be replicated, providing opportunities for other researchers to test and confirm the findings.
To conduct experiments, researchers define and manipulate independent variables, measure dependent variables, and control extraneous variables. Participants are randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.
Understanding the strengths of correlation research, observational/descriptive research, and experiments can help researchers choose the most suitable approach for their research questions and objectives.