Week 1 Non-Experimental Research Methods: Survey and Correlational Designs

Week 1 Non-Experimental Research Methods: Survey and Correlational Designs

Even though you have taken previous methods and statistical courses (PSY-7103, PSY-7104, PSY-7107, and PSY-7110), a refresher may be helpful, especially as you enter into specific methods in each section of this course. If you would like to re-engage some basic foundations of research methods (recommended), please refer to Chapter 6 of the course text by Privitera (2020) on Choosing a Research Design.

Materials from prior statistics courses may also help. Also, be sure to read the To The Student section of the text, which covers crucial points of navigating SPSS, the evaluation of research scenarios, and concepts for the work over the next weeks (it is your responsibility to review all the identified material to be successful, so you are encouraged to do this as early as possible). If you ever need a quick reference or refresher of general design points (beyond what you specifically focus upon in the week), refer to Chapters 1 and 6 of your course text, as it has useful components on design.   Privitera’s evaluation of each method that you review in this course is full of active learning — lots of activities, examples, reflections, and integration of real contexts for application of the given method.

The assignments for SPSS or evaluation in each week of Section 1 are from your text and will be very valuable to make tangible what is covered as well. If you have not yet downloaded the SPSS program, please review the following:   You will need the most current version, SPSS 28 This week, you can explore both survey and correlational designs. These are not the same, but may be used together, depending. For example, you might use a survey instrument to collect two or more quantitative variables that might be examined regarding their relationship, which would be correlational (Privitera, 2020).

Regardless if they are used together or not, they are common approaches in quantitative method design, so it is vital they are reviewed. As you review the readings in the text, take notes on the key points raised. For example, what defines the methods; how are they applied; what are their limitations; what contexts and analyses are common; and what method considerations are necessary to determine its use?

These questions will assist in how you approach the assignments, as the research chart has you implement understanding of these areas (brief, to the point, but a useful tool for referring to the particular method and relevant application and function); the SPSS task brings together these areas to see how it looks in action; and the reflection paper invites critical consideration of use and learning.  

Heads-Up to the Section 1 Signature Assignment

The Signature Assignment for Section 1 is the last assignment (occurring in Week 6) and will have two main parts – applying two different methods to a given research question (two research questions are provided, and will use one method per question), and a learning reflection of the experiences over Weeks 1 through 5 and the quantitative methods. As you go through each week, be sure to carefully take note of the methods discussed, particular design considerations – how applied, data that may be collected, analysis common to the approach, and ethical components.

Each week, you will review these areas, and the hands-on tasks (whether through analysis, reflection, the Research Chart you will create) work to help facilitate understanding and knowledge of the key areas that will be reviewed in Section 1. As well, the reflection papers offer the opportunity for connecting how you are learning/understanding each method and processes being reviewed. This will also assist in how the Section 1 Signature Assignment is developed. Please note there is a second Signature Assignment, due in Week 12. Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS – Week 1 Non-Experimental Research Methods: Survey and Correlational Designs

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• Discussion Questions (DQ)

Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, including a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words. Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source. One or two-sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words. I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.

• Weekly Participation

Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately. In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies. Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work). Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.

• APA Format and Writing Quality

Familiarize yourself with the APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in Loud-cloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required). Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation. I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.

• Use of Direct Quotes

I discourage over-utilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Master’s level and deduct points accordingly. As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content. It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source. Week 1 Non-Experimental Research Methods: Survey and Correlational Designs

• LopesWrite Policy

For assignments that need to be submitted to Lopes Write, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me. Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes. Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own? Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in Loud-cloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.

• Late Policy

The university’s policy on late assignments is a 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies. Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances. If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect. I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension. As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading. Week 1 Non-Experimental Research Methods: Survey and Correlational Designs

• Communication

Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me: Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class. Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.

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