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According to the principles of matching research approaches to scientific goals, describe the conditions under which a researcher would prefer an experimental approach versus a non-experimental approach.
Question: According to the principles of matching research approaches to scientific goals, describe the conditions under which a researcher would prefer an experimental approach versus a non-experimental approach.
Sample answer: An experimental approach is generally preferred when the researcher's objective is to explain a phenomenon by establishing a causal relationship. Conversely, a non-experimental approach is the appropriate strategy when the research goal is simply to describe a variable or to predict outcomes based on naturally occurring associations.
Key points:
- An experimental approach is preferred for explaining a phenomenon.
- An experimental approach is preferred for establishing causal relationships.
- A non-experimental approach is appropriate for describing a variable.
- A non-experimental approach is appropriate for predicting outcomes based on naturally occurring associations.
Rubric: Answers must accurately identify the respective goals associated with each approach based on the text.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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