Assignment Task:
Single-Case, Quasi-Experimental, And Developmental Research
In basic experimental design, participants are randomly assigned to the condition with the independent variable, and a dependent variable is measured to determine whether the independent variable had an effect. Because all other variables are held constant, the resulting observed differences on the dependent variable are presumed to be due to the independent variable, therefore, indicating high internal validity in the research design.
In the social sciences, however, researchers often want to conduct studies in situations where they cannot control certain aspects of the study. It would be disappointing to give up on studying an important topic just because the researcher cannot exert control over all the variables in the study for logistical or ethical reasons. Chapter 11 focuses on three types of research designs that have been devised to address special research problems: single-case experiments, quasi-experimental designs, and developmental research designs. As with all research designs covered throughout this course, each of these three designs has its distinct advantages and limitations. In this Assignment, you will apply concepts related to these three designs and identify associated benefits and limitations.
To prepare:
Read Chapter 11.
Think of a desirable behavior you would like to increase for a young child or a pet or, conversely, a problematic behavior you would like to decrease for a child or pet. Design a single-case experimental reversal design for your selected behavior that consists of a baseline condition (A), treatment condition (B), and return to baseline (A). Consider how you would determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
Resources:
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Review previous chapters if you need to.
Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2024). Methods in behavioral research (15th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Chapter 11, "Single Case, Quasi-Experimental, and Developmental Research"
Avilla, R. (2015, January 3). Alternative methods: 5 - developmental research [YouTube Video].
Research Methods and Statistics. (2016, September 11). 3.9 quasiexperimental designs | quantitative methods | research designs | UvA [YouTube Video].
ABA Exam Review - Behavior Tech & Behavior Analyst. (2022, September 25). Single subject experimental design: Reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion [YouTube Video].
Readings:
Media:
Select a quasi-experimental design that you would implement to compare the effectiveness of two different teaching methods on improving memory retention in college students. Plan how the design would be set up and carried out, and consider the strengths and limitations of using the selected design applied to the study and its variables of interest.
Consider a contemporary topic or issue in developmental psychology that you could investigate with a cross-sectional design (e.g., the effects of social media usage on self-esteem across age groups) and how you would set up the design demonstrating at least three cross-sections (e.g., ages) of your population of interest. Assess the advantages and limitations of the cross-sectional design for investigating causal relationships for your topic/issue compared to other developmental research designs, such as longitudinal and/or true experiments.
Submit a 2- to 3-page paper that responds to the following:
With the "To Prepare" directions in mind, respond to the following prompts in essay format. The responses for the three numbered prompts below (including the sub-bullets under each number) are designed to be completed concisely within one to two thorough paragraphs for each numbered prompt.
1. Briefly explain the behavior of interest that you would like to either increase or decrease for a young child or a pet. Need Assignment Help?
Describe the single-case experimental reversal design set up that you devised (i.e., the ABA conditions).
Explain how you would determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
2. Describe the quasi-experimental design, set up, and implementation you would use in order to compare the effectiveness of two teaching methods on improving memory retention in college students. Also, include:
Your rationale for selecting the design (over the other quasi-experimental designs) One strength and one limitation of using the selected design applied to the study and variables of interest
3. Briefly present the contemporary topic or issue in developmental psychology that you could investigate with a cross-sectional Next: Describe how you would set up and execute the design.
Explain one possible benefit and one limitation of the cross-sectional design for investigating causal relationships related to your topic/issue compared to other developmental research designs, such as longitudinal and/or true experiments.
Note: Support your responses within your Assignment with evidence from the assigned Learning Resources. Provide a reference list for resources you used for this Assignment. Use APA style for in-text citations and references.