PSY 245 Wk 2 Discussion – Examining Research Methods

0 items
PSY 245 Wk 2 Discussion - Examining Research Methods
PSY 245 Wk 2 Discussion – Examining Research Methods
$3.00
Go to the store page
  • Description

PSY 245 Wk 2 Discussion – Examining Research Methods

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Before completing this week’s discussion, review the vignettes below.

Vignette A

A researcher wanted to study how using computers to play educational games could affect children’s learning and physical activity. He conducted a study consisting of 200 parents of preschool and elementary school children:

  • 100 parents of preschoolers (50 boys and 50 girls)

  • 100 parents of elementary school children (50 boys and 50 girls)

The researcher believed computer games might be helpful for teaching the children new concepts and assist them in building on previously acquired knowledge; however, the parents were concerned that sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time could decrease physical activity among the children. The parents were asked to let their children use computer games for 3 hours a day for 1 month. At the end of the month, the parents completed a survey in which they were asked to describe what the children had learned from the computer games as well as the amount of time their child/children completed physical activities.

Vignette B

A researcher was interested in understanding why women are less likely than men to study mechanical engineering in college. The researcher hoped the findings of the study could be used by colleges to increase the number of women applying to study the field. The researcher decided the best way to learn why women were less inclined to apply to mechanical engineering programs would be to post flyers about the study in local high schools, then conduct in-depth interviews of students who volunteered to participate in the study.

In the interviews, the researcher asked the students about their attitudes and beliefs about the topic, such as whether or not they had considered pursuing a mechanical engineering degree, and why they would/would not consider a career in the field. The researcher then coded the data from the interviews to find patterns and themes that could explain why women are less likely to study mechanical engineering in college.

Due Thursday

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

  • Reflect on what you have learned about qualitative and quantitative research methods. How do they differ? How are they similar? Why is qualitative research best suited for psychological studies?

  • Which vignette illustrates a qualitative study? Which vignette illustrates a quantitative study? Justify your response.

  • Sometimes researchers choose to conduct a mixed-methods study, in which both qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed. Why might a mixed-methods approach be useful in a study?

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.