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Evaluate the two proposed designs by analyzing how the independent variable (note-taking method) is handled in each. Justify which design provides stronger evidence for a cause-and-effect relationship based on whether the independent variable is manipulated or measured.
Case context: A research team is planning a study to investigate the impact of note-taking methods on student learning performance. Dr. Green proposes an experimental design where students are randomly assigned to use either laptop note-taking or hand-written note-taking (manipulating the method). Dr. Smith proposes a non-experimental design where they simply survey students on their preferred note-taking method and measure their final exam scores.
Question: Evaluate the two proposed designs by analyzing how the independent variable (note-taking method) is handled in each. Justify which design provides stronger evidence for a cause-and-effect relationship based on whether the independent variable is manipulated or measured.
Sample answer: Dr. Green's experimental design is superior for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship because it systematically manipulates the independent variable (note-taking method) to observe its impact on learning performance. In contrast, Dr. Smith's non-experimental design simply measures the independent variable as it naturally occurs. Because experiments require manipulation to establish the independent variable as the presumed cause, Dr. Green's design provides much stronger evidence that the note-taking method itself causes differences in learning performance.
Key points:
- Dr. Green's design is experimental because the independent variable is systematically manipulated.
- Dr. Smith's design is non-experimental because the independent variable is simply measured.
- Experiments require manipulation of the independent variable to establish cause-and-effect.
- Dr. Green's design provides stronger causal evidence than Dr. Smith's design.
Rubric: Grading Criteria: 1. Identifies that Dr. Green's design manipulates the independent variable, while Dr. Smith's design simply measures it (30%). 2. Evaluates the capacity of both designs to establish cause-and-effect relationships (40%). 3. Correctly justifies why manipulation of the independent variable provides stronger causal evidence than measurement (30%).
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Example of an Experiment: Note-Taking Method and Learning Performance
Functional Relationship Between Independent and Dependent Variables
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Identifying Experimental Variables
Extraneous Variable
Treatment
Non-Experimental Research
Non-Manipulated Independent Variable
Operational Definition
Experimental Manipulation
Experimental Condition
Internal Validity
Manipulation Check
Null Result
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