You are designing a quasi-experimental study to test whether a new reading comprehension program improves student test scores. How would you sequence your independent variable (the program) and dependent variable (test scores) to ensure the directionality problem is resolved?
Question: You are designing a quasi-experimental study to test whether a new reading comprehension program improves student test scores. How would you sequence your independent variable (the program) and dependent variable (test scores) to ensure the directionality problem is resolved?
Sample answer: I would introduce the reading comprehension program (independent variable) first, and then measure the students' test scores (dependent variable) after the program is completed. This chronological order establishes that the program preceded the test score measurement, clarifying the direction of cause and effect.
Key points:
- Introduce the independent variable (reading program) before measuring the dependent variable (test scores).
- Establish a chronological sequence where the cause precedes the effect.
Rubric: The response must apply the principle of chronological sequencing. It should specify that the reading comprehension program (independent variable) is implemented/manipulated first, followed by the measurement of the test scores (dependent variable).
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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