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Imagine you want to design a brief observational study to investigate 'distraction' in a college computer lab. Apply the primary objective of observational research to identify two concrete variables you could record to capture a descriptive snapshot of this setting.
Question: Imagine you want to design a brief observational study to investigate 'distraction' in a college computer lab. Apply the primary objective of observational research to identify two concrete variables you could record to capture a descriptive snapshot of this setting.
Sample answer: To capture a descriptive snapshot of the computer lab setting, I could record: 1) the proportion of screens displaying non-academic content (such as social media or games) to describe individual/group distraction, and 2) the frequency of audible off-task conversations to describe the overall setting.
Key points:
- Identify two distinct, concrete variables that can be observed and recorded.
- Ensure the proposed variables serve the objective of describing characteristics rather than explaining causes.
- Relate the variables directly to capturing a snapshot of the computer lab setting, individuals, or groups within it.
Rubric: The response must apply the descriptive goal of observational research by proposing two distinct, observable variables that can be recorded to capture a snapshot of the lab setting, without attempting to explain the causes of distraction.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Imagine you want to design a brief observational study to investigate 'distraction' in a college computer lab. Apply the primary objective of observational research to identify two concrete variables you could record to capture a descriptive snapshot of this setting.