Comparing Correlational, Experimental, and Differential Research – Flashcards

uses one of the two variables to define groups of participants and then measures the second variable to obtain scores within each group. For example, a researcher could divide a sample of students into two groups corresponding to high and low self-esteem, and then measure academic performance scores in each group.

examining the same relationship would first measure a self-esteem score and an academic performance score for each student, and then look for a pattern within the set of scores. Note that the # involves one group of participants with two scores for each individual. The primary focus of the # is on the relationship between the two variables.

involves two groups of scores and focuses on the difference between groups.

However, both designs are asking the same basic question: #

The goal of the correlational research strategy is

Participants are assigned to groups. Participants are assigned to treatment conditions. Participants are separated into groups based on a specific characteristic such as age or gender.

A researcher determines the amount of sugar in each child's diet by interviewing the children's parents. Then the researcher watches the children on a playground to obtain measurements of their level of activity. The researcher hopes to demonstrate that sugar intake is related to activity level. This researcher is using the