Assignment Task: Planning Research and Selecting Methods
In the domain of psychological research, precision is vital. The ability to accurately measure and interpret variables in a research study lies at the heart of scientific inquiry. However, this task is not as straightforward as it may initially seem. Researchers must provide precise operational definitions of the variables in their studies to ensure the validity of their findings. Operational definitions serve as the bridge between theoretical constructs and measurable phenomena, thereby strengthening the integrity of the study's conclusions.
In this Discussion, you will create a research question and a hypothesis/prediction for a topic you are interested in and begin the steps of planning a research study for your topic. You will also delve into the significance of operational definitions in research, focusing particularly on their role in upholding construct validity. You will decide between experimental and nonexperimental research to examine your prediction and, depending on the approach taken, you will examine related concepts, such as experimental control and the relational direction of the variables. Need Assignment Help?
Readings:
- Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2024). Methods in behavioral research (15th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Chapter 2, "Where to Start"
- Section: Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Predictions
Chapter 4, "Fundamental Research Issues"
- American Psychological Association. (2023, June). Psychology topics
Media:
Walden University, LLC. (2024). Planning research [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas.
To prepare:
1. Review what you learned in the Planning Research Learning Activity.
2. Review the following section from Chapter 2: Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Predictions.
3. Read Chapter 4 of the course textbook.
4. Visit the Psychology Topics webpage on the APA website. Choose one topic that interests you and develop:
- A specific research question, hypothesis, and a prediction related to the topic.
5. Next, consider which method, experimental or nonexperimental, will be used to examine your hypothesis/prediction.
- If experimental, identify the independent and dependent variables in the study, how these variables will be operationally defined, and how you will demonstrate experimental control.
- If nonexperimental, operationally define the variables of interest and identify the directional relationship between variables based on your prediction (e.g., positive linear, negative linear, etc.) and one specific issue related to why cause cannot be established in the outcome of the study (e.g., directionality, third-variable problems).
Post a response to the following.
In the first line of your post, state your topic (e.g., Exercise decreases depression). Then,
1. Provide a brief description of your topic (fewer than 50 words).
2. Clearly state the research question, hypothesis, and the prediction that you generated for the topic you selected.
3. Identify the method, either experimental or nonexperimental, you would use to examine your research question, hypothesis, and prediction and provide the rationale for your choice.
- If experimental:
i) Identify and provide operational definitions for the independent and dependent variables.
ii) Describe how you would demonstrate experimental control.
- If nonexperimental:
i) Identify and provide operational definitions for the two variables of interest and explain the relationship between the variables related to your hypothesis and prediction (e.g., positive linear, negative linear, etc.).
ii) Explain one specific issue related to why cause cannot be established in the outcome of the study.
Note: Your initial response should be supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA format. It is recommended that you review the Grading Rubric with the criteria that will be used to evaluate your Discussion prior to your submission.
Reply to the initial post of at least one colleague who picked a different topic than you.
Offer an alternative way that the variables of interest in their proposed study could be operationally defined or researched using a different research method than was proposed.
Note: Your response to your colleague should be substantive and supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA format. Responses should enrich the initial post by supporting and/or adding a fresh viewpoint and be constructive, enhancing the learning for all students.