A researcher discovers a statistical correlation between students' regular physical exercise and their test scores. Apply your understanding of research methods to describe what design change the researcher must implement to establish that exercise causes better test scores, and state how this design change addresses alternative explanations.
Question: A researcher discovers a statistical correlation between students' regular physical exercise and their test scores. Apply your understanding of research methods to describe what design change the researcher must implement to establish that exercise causes better test scores, and state how this design change addresses alternative explanations.
Sample answer: To establish a causal relationship, the researcher must switch from a correlational design to an experimental design. This change enables the researcher to control for or eliminate alternative explanations, isolating whether changes in physical exercise directly cause changes in test scores.
Key points:
- Apply an experimental design instead of a correlational design.
- Control for or eliminate alternative explanations.
- Isolate how changes in physical exercise directly cause changes in test scores.
Rubric: The answer should state that the researcher must implement an experimental design instead of a correlational one, and explain that doing so allows them to control/eliminate alternative explanations to isolate direct cause-and-effect.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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A researcher discovers a statistical correlation between students' regular physical exercise and their test scores. Apply your understanding of research methods to describe what design change the researcher must implement to establish that exercise causes better test scores, and state how this design change addresses alternative explanations.