Question
Dr. Conrad wants to make cause-and-effect statements about the factors that lead children to help others.Which of the following research methods should Dr. Conrad use? The survey method The discontinuous method Naturalistic observation Experimental research A case study
Solution
4.1
(200 Votes)
Xavier
Elite ยท Tutor for 8 years
Answer
**Experimental research** is the best method for Dr. Conrad to use if he wants to make cause-and-effect statements. Here's why:* **Control:** Experimental research allows researchers to manipulate one or more variables (independent variables) while holding other factors constant. This control helps determine if changes in the independent variable *cause* changes in the outcome (dependent variable), which in this case is helping behavior. Dr. Conrad could manipulate factors like the presence of a role model or the type of reward offered for helping.* **Random Assignment:** Participants are randomly assigned to different experimental conditions (e.g., a group that sees a helping role model vs. a group that doesn't). This helps ensure that any differences observed between groups are due to the manipulated variable and not pre-existing differences between the participants.* **Replicability:** Experimental research is designed to be replicable. Other researchers can repeat the study to see if they get similar results, which strengthens the validity of the findings.Why the other options aren't as suitable:* **Survey method:** Surveys can reveal correlations between variables (e.g., children who report having helpful parents also report helping others more often), but correlation doesn't equal causation. A third, unmeasured variable could be influencing both.* **Discontinuous method (this isn't a standard research method term):** This seems like a distractor. There isn't a widely recognized research method called the "discontinuous method."* **Naturalistic observation:** Observing children in their natural environment can provide valuable insights into helping behavior, but it doesn't allow for the manipulation of variables needed to establish cause and effect.* **Case study:** A case study involves in-depth examination of a single individual or small group. While helpful for understanding complex phenomena, case studies lack the generalizability of experimental research. The findings may not apply to a wider population of children.