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Based on the principles of non-experimental research, analyze Dr. Smith's conclusion. What specific type of non-experimental research did she conduct, what defines it as non-experimental, and why is her press conference statement problematic?
Case context: Dr. Smith conducts a study at a busy city intersection. She systematically observes and records the behavior of pedestrians, noting whether they are looking at their smartphones while crossing the street and whether they experience a near-miss with a vehicle. After measuring these naturally occurring variables and analyzing the data, she finds a strong relationship between smartphone use and near-misses. She holds a press conference and announces, 'Looking at your smartphone causes you to almost get hit by a car!'
Question: Based on the principles of non-experimental research, analyze Dr. Smith's conclusion. What specific type of non-experimental research did she conduct, what defines it as non-experimental, and why is her press conference statement problematic?
Sample answer: Dr. Smith conducted observational research, which is a type of non-experimental study where behavior is systematically observed and recorded in a real-world setting. This study is defined as non-experimental because she simply measured the variables (smartphone use and near-misses) as they naturally occurred, without manipulating an independent variable. Her press conference statement is problematic because she makes a definitive causal claim ('causes you to'). While non-experimental research is scientific and can describe and predict relationships, it generally cannot provide strong evidence for causal conclusions due to the lack of experimental manipulation.
Key points:
- Identify the methodology as observational research.
- Note the lack of manipulation of an independent variable.
- Identify that variables were measured exactly as they naturally occur.
- Analyze the flaw in drawing a causal conclusion from non-experimental data.
Rubric: The student must identify the study as observational research. They must analyze the study design to point out that the researcher only measured naturally occurring variables without manipulation. Finally, they must critically evaluate the causal claim, explaining that non-experimental research cannot definitively prove that one variable causes another.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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