Assignment 2- Analyze Non-Experimental (Non-Causal) Correlational Designs
Order Description
A correlational design is one of the most often encountered non-experimental (non-causal) quantitative designs. Within correlational designs, an actual experimental
condition is non-existent; rather, relationships between variables are explored without a determination of causality. These types of studies are meant to help
researchers examine how two or more variables vary in conjunction with each other. Correlational studies can help describe complex relationships among a myriad of
variables and are often employed when attempting to determine how a change in one or more variables will co-vary with one or more other variables. Within all
correlational studies, causation cannot be assumed, regardless of how strong the correlational evidence.
Review the resources listed in the Books and Resources area below to prepare for this week’s assignment(s).
All resources for this week:
Book(s)
Black, T. 2012 Doing quantitative research in the social sciences: An integrated approach to research design, measurement and statistics.
Read Chapter 7
Mertens, D. 2014 Research and evaluation in education and psychology. Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.
Read Chapter 5
Article/Journal
Beauvais, A., Stewart, J., DeNisco, S., & Beauvais, J. (2014). Factors related to academic success among nursing students: A descriptive correlational research study.
https://www.sciencedirect.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/science/article/pii/S0260691713004358
Read Article
Website Link(s)
Trochim, W. M. K. (2012). Design. The Research Knowledge Base. https://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/design.php
Read all Sub-sections
Assignment Title
Analyze Non-Experimental (Non-Causal) Correlational Designs
Assignment Points
10
Assignment Instructions
Using the article by Beauvais, Steward, DeNisco, and Beauvais (2014), prepare a written analysis that addresses the following:
• Determine the general strengths and weaknesses of correlational designs. Based on your findings, identify the strengths and weaknesses of this particular study.
• Explain when a correlational design is most useful in an educational setting, and summarize whether this is an appropriate use of a correlational design in this
study. Explain why, and if it is not, recommend a more accurate research design.
• Identify and explain the types of problems correlational designs could best address. Determine if this study’s problem is best addressed by a correlational design.
• Review the research question being asked in this study, and then provide a sample research question corresponding to a different hypothetical correlational design.
Support your assignment with at least this scholarly resource. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older
articles, may be included.
Length: 5-7 pages, not including title and reference pages
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly
to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Upload your assignment using the Upload Assignment button below.
Course Learning Outcomes associated with this assignment:
1.0. Evaluate quantitative research designs with attention to quantitative instrumentation, data assumptions, validity, and reliability.
2.0. Analyze the rationale and methodological conventions of quantitative data collection techniques used in educational research.
3.0. Analyze the rationale and methodological conventions of quantitative data analysis techniques used in educational research.
