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A clinical psychologist wants to measure the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms among incoming university freshmen using a standardized self-report scale. Apply your knowledge of research designs to state whether an experimental or non-experimental design is appropriate for this study, and justify your choice in one or two sentences.
Question: A clinical psychologist wants to measure the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms among incoming university freshmen using a standardized self-report scale. Apply your knowledge of research designs to state whether an experimental or non-experimental design is appropriate for this study, and justify your choice in one or two sentences.
Sample answer: A non-experimental design is appropriate because the research focus is on describing a single variable (the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms) in a population. No variables are being manipulated, and no statistical relationships or causal links are being tested.
Key points:
- Correctly identifies non-experimental design as the appropriate choice.
- Justifies the choice by noting the study describes a single variable (anxiety prevalence).
- Identifies that there is no manipulation or comparison of variables.
Rubric: Answers must correctly state that a non-experimental design is appropriate and justify it by explaining that the research describes a single variable without manipulation or control.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Single-Variable Research
Non-Causal Statistical Relationship
Practical or Ethical Constraints Requiring Non-Experimental Research
Broad and Exploratory Research
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A clinical psychologist wants to measure the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms among incoming university freshmen using a standardized self-report scale. Apply your knowledge of research designs to state whether an experimental or non-experimental design is appropriate for this study, and justify your choice in one or two sentences.