Exploring Descriptive Research Methods

Exploring Descriptive Research Methods

Assignment

Select one of the descriptive/observational approaches to research that you read about this week. Then, describe and detail this approach, and prepare a written assessment to discuss how you might use this approach to explore a topic of interest.

Be sure to address the following:

• Explain why you selected this method to study your chosen topic of interest.
• Interpret the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
• Indicate what you might do to work around these weaknesses.
• Verify whether this approach is more aligned with a qualitative or a quantitative approach to research, and then explain why.

Exploring Descriptive Research Methods

Next, identify and explain at least one other descriptive/observational approach you might consider using when researching your topic, describe the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, what you might do to work around weaknesses, and why you would want to use it to explore your topic further. Determine whether this design is more in line with a qualitative or a quantitative approach to research, and then explain why.

Check tips on how to do your Psychology Assignments. 

Include the key similarities and differences between the two descriptive/observational approaches in a chart within your paper. You may also present this information as a graphic or other visual aid.

Length: 5-7 pages, including chart or graphic, but not including title and reference pages

References: Include a minimum of 3 scholarly resources.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards

Exploring Descriptive Research Methods

Feedback from week 4:

You demonstrate a strong understanding of the different types of research questions as well as some of the methods that we use to answer each different type. As you move forward in weeks 5 and 6, you will explore these methods in more detail.

In week 5, you will explore descriptive and observational methods that may be used to answer either descriptive or associative research questions, so choose one of the questions below and identify that question in the week 5 assignment before discussing two descriptive or observational methods that you may use to answer it.

Descriptive: What is the average happiness level among married versus unmarried adults aged

30 to 50?

Associative: Is there a correlation between marital status and reported happiness levels among adults aged 30 to 50?