28 Sep What are the major differences between experimental, quasi experimental, and non-experimental research?

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

Exercise 1

The Scientific Method – Cause and Effect

What are the major differences between experimental, quasi experimental, and non-experimental research?

 

Discuss the three major conditions to meet cause and effect (be sure to review your text for further information). Provide a typical experimental “weakness” that wouldn’t allow a researcher to determine cause and effect.

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 2

 

Between- and Within-subjects Approaches

 

Develop a hypothetical research scenario and research question that would necessitate the use of a Posttest Control Group Design. The research can be either experimental or quasi-experimental. The O1 represents the outcome measure (dependent variable) and the X represents the treatment (independent variable).

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 3

 

Factorial Designs and Single-case Approach

 

Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would necessitate the use of a A-B-A Design. The research will be considered experimental. What would the major dependent variable be?

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 4

 

Survey Approach

 

Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the survey approach. Would this application utilize a cross-sectional or longitudinal design? Why or why not?

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 5

 

Central Limit Theorem

 

Describe one aspect of the Central Limit Theorem and explain how this concept would be applied in relation to any one of the research designs you came up with in the previous exercises.

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 6

 

Normal Distribution and Law of Large Numbers

 

In your hypothetical example of a survey study, how would the Law of Large Numbers apply in regard to the overall validity of the study?

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 7

 

Misuse of Statistics

 

From your own experience, when have you seen statistics being “misused” in an attempt to manipulate or sway judgment?

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 8

 

Battling Bad Science

 

What was the most interesting aspect of the TED TALK video? How does this apply to your own field of study?

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 9

 

Legalizing Drugs (Debate)

 

Which side of the debate did you side with? Did you change your opinion after the debate or did it remain the same? Elaborate on your response. Be respectful of your classmates’ responses.

 

 

 

PYCL507 Research and Evaluation for Counsellors

 

Exercise 10

 

Tricks of the Trade

 

Discuss some ideas of how researchers and editors can tighten up the field of research and ensure validity to the finding.