Overview
Unlike experimental research methods, nonexperimental research methods do not permit the researcher to reach definitive causal conclusions. However, this does not mean that this set of techniques is inferior in any general sense, as nonexperimental research provides the researcher with a number of alternative ways of exploring the relationships among the variables in question. Thus, it is more useful to think of nonexperimental and experimental research methods as different tools within a researcher’s toolkit – each method is designed to address a different type of problem or question. Moreover, it is often the constraints of the situation that dictate which tools are available (practical, ethical, or possible) for use.
The topics to be covered in this unit are:
- Correlational Research
- Naturalistic Observation
- Archival Research
- Case Studies
- Quasi-Experimental Research
- Cross-sectional Research
- Longitudinal Research
- Survey Research
- Common Threats to Internal Validity
Overview
Unlike experimental research methods, nonexperimental research methods do not permit the researcher to reach definitive causal conclusions. However, this does not mean that this set of techniques is inferior in any general sense, as nonexperimental research provides the researcher with a number of alternative ways of exploring the relationships among the variables in question. Thus, it is more useful to think of nonexperimental and experimental research methods as different tools within a researcher’s toolkit – each method is designed to address a different type of problem or question. Moreover, it is often the constraints of the situation that dictate which tools are available (practical, ethical, or possible) for use.
The topics to be covered in this unit are:
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