Chapter 2. Experimental research

Question 1

What does the choosing of method often depend on?

Answer 1

• Context
• Primary purpose of the study
• Time constraints
• Funding
• The participant pool
• The researchers’ experience

Question 2

What three types of behavioral investigations/research do we have?

Answer 2

1. Descriptive investigations
2. Relational investigations
3. Experimental research

Question 3

What is the difference between descriptive, relational and experimental research?

Answer 3

Descriptive has focus on describing a situation or a set of events. X is happening. Typical methods are observations, field studies, focus groups and interviews

Relational has focus on identifying relations between multiple variables. X is related to Y. Typical methods are observations, field studies and surveys.

Experimental has focus on identifying causes of a situation or a set of events. X is responsible for Y. Typical method is controlled experiments.

Question 4

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 4

A hypothesis is a precise problem statement that can be directly tested through an empirical investigation.

A hypothesis is smaller, more focused statement than a theory. A hypothesis can be examined by a single experiment.

Question 5

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

Answer 5

A hypothesis is a precise problem statement that can be directly tested through an empirical investigation.

A hypothesis is smaller, more focused statement that can be examined by a single experiment.