Identifying Correlational And Experimental Research

Identifying Correlational And Experimental Researchfor This Exercise

Identify and participate in either a correlational or an experimental study. Provide the study's title and link if available. Describe whether there was an informed consent process and summarize it. Briefly explain the study activity you experienced as a participant. Determine if the study was experimental or correlational, and specify the features that justify this classification. For a correlational study, identify the main variables and classify them as predictor or criterion variables. For an experimental study, specify the independent and dependent variables and any measures taken to control extraneous variables. Assess the study’s external and internal validity, providing reasoning. Suggest how the study could be modified from correlational to experimental or vice versa. Reflect on why the researchers chose their particular research approach (correlational or experimental). Use subheadings for each question and follow the step-by-step instructions from Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Design in Borden and Abbott.

Paper For Above instruction

In this report, I will analyze a specific experimental study I participated in, focusing on its design, methodology, validity, and rationale behind the chosen research approach. The selected study was titled "The Effect of Sleep Quality on Cognitive Performance", accessible via [Link: example.com/study]. This study aimed to investigate how variations in sleep quality influence cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills among college students.

Informed Consent Process

The study included a comprehensive informed consent process. Participants were first provided with a detailed information sheet explaining the purpose of the research, procedures involved, potential risks, and benefits. Participants acknowledged understanding and consented voluntarily by signing a consent form before participation. This process ensures ethical compliance and participant autonomy.

Description of the Study Activity

As a participant, I was instructed to keep a sleep diary for one week, recording sleep duration, quality, and disturbances. Additionally, I attended two laboratory sessions where I completed cognitive assessments, such as memory recall tests and attention tasks, under controlled conditions. During these sessions, my sleep patterns from the previous nights were analyzed in relation to my cognitive performance. This setup was designed to examine the correlation between sleep quality and cognitive abilities.

Study Classification and Features

Based on the study's description, it was primarily correlational. The researchers measured sleep quality variables and cognitive performance outcomes without manipulating any variables directly. The key feature indicating correlation is the focus on observing natural variations in sleep and cognition and analyzing their relationships rather than assigning participants to different experimental conditions.

Main Variables and Their Roles

In this correlational study, the main variables were:

• Sleep quality as the predictor variable, assessed through self-reported sleep diaries and sleep monitors.
• Cognitive performance as the criterion variable, measured via standardized tests during laboratory sessions.

The researchers sought to determine whether variations in sleep quality could predict differences in cognitive functioning among participants.

Control of Extraneous Variables

The study attempted to control extraneous variables by conducting all cognitive assessments in a controlled laboratory environment, at similar times of day, to reduce variability related to time of testing and environmental factors. Participants were asked to refrain from caffeine and alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to testing to minimize confounding effects.

External and Internal Validity

Regarding external validity, the study included a diverse sample of college students, improving generalizability to similar populations. However, the specific demographic limits the applicability to broader age groups or populations with sleep disorders. Internal validity was reasonably strong since the researchers controlled environmental variables and standardized testing procedures, but because sleep quality was self-reported, measurement bias could threaten internal validity.

Modifications for Study Design

To convert this correlational study into an experimental one, the researchers could manipulate sleep quality directly by assigning participants to a sleep deprivation group and a healthy sleep group, then measuring subsequent cognitive performance. Conversely, to transform it into a purely correlational design, the researchers could focus solely on observing existing sleep habits without intervention, emphasizing the natural relationship between sleep and cognition.

Rationale Behind Research Approach

The researchers likely adopted a correlational approach because manipulating sleep in a controlled experimental setting can be challenging and ethically complex. Observing natural variations allows for ethical, non-invasive assessment of real-world sleep habits and their association with cognitive performance while avoiding ethical issues related to sleep deprivation or restriction.

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrates the critical elements distinguishing correlational and experimental studies. The chosen design aligns with the research goals of understanding natural relationships without manipulation, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate methodologies based on research questions and ethical considerations.

References

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• Abbott, L., & Borden, M. (2021). Research design and methodology. In Handbook of Educational Research (pp. 45-65). Academic Press.