Define non-experimental research
Non-experimental research – is research that lacks the manipulation of an independent variable.
What are 2 types of non-experimental research?
- Survey studies
- relationship/difference studies
What is the purpose of survey studies?
to obtain info about the prevalence, distribution, and interrelations of phenomena within a population.
What are some examples of survey studies
descriptive, exploratory, comparative
Describe survey studies
- Structured interview (face to face, telephone)
- Self-report (questionnaires, online surveys/computer-assisted)
- Usually, a large number of respondents
What are survey advantages?
- Flexible and broad in scope
- Data can be collected in a number of ways.
What are survey disadvantages?
- Data relatively superficial, rarely probes deeply into human complexities.
- Low response rates vs. number of participants needed.
- Limitations with self-report
What is the purpose of relationship/difference studies
Purpose: to look at the relationships or differences between variables that can provide deeper insight into a phenomenon.
What are two types of relationship/difference studies?
- Correlational
- Developmental:
a. Cross-sectional
b. Longitudinal/prospective
c. Retrospective/ex post facto
Define sampling frame
A list of the items or people forming a population from which a sample is taken.
