Module Seven    Causal Comparative and Correlational Research
Learning Objectives

  Based on the text, state the primary purpose(s) for causal comparative research. 

  Based on the text, state the primary purpose(s) for correlational research. 

  Based on the text, create a definition for correlation, include range of values. 

  Given the obtained scores on two variables: (1) create a scatterplot, (2) approximate the regression line, (3) estimate the correlation, and (4) interpret the correlation. 

  Given an empirical research article; identify the participant(s), independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), extraneous variable(s), type (causal comparative or correlational), experimental group, control group, research question, research hypothesis, null hypothesis, data collection, data reduction technique(s), and conclusions reached. 

  Given a causal-comparative or corr research article, identify the threats to INternal validity. 

  Given a causal-comparative or corr research article, identify the threats to EXternal validity. 

  Given a causual-comparative or corr research article, evaluate the strength of the research design. 

  Given the variable and the scores on that variable, create a frequency table and histogram. 

  Based on the text, contrast normal, skewed, kurtotic, bi-modal distributions. 

  Given the variable, the scores on that variable, and the created frequency table and histogram, identify the shape of the distribution of scores. 

  Based on the text, contrast the measures of central tendency. 

  Based on the text, contrast the measures of variability. 

  Given the variable and the scores on that variable, identify the mode, median, and mean. 

  Given the variable and the scores on that variable, identify the range, standard deviation, and variance. 

  Given the variable and the scores on that variable, evaluate which measure of central tendency and which measure of variability is most appropriate.  

Causal Comparative and Correlation Research 

Differences Between Causal Comparative and Correlation Research 
Types of Data 
Types of Curves 
Central Tendency 
Variability 
 
The validity of the research study 
 
Internal Validity 
Twelve Threats to Internal Validity  
Eight Threats to External Validity
Click here to access Module 7 Notes.

Activities  

  Studying Through Descriptions 

With your group and using the empirical research article, "The Impact of Middle School Reform Initiatives on Student Achievement and Retention in a Florida Magnet School" (see course packet), answer the following questions: 
 

1. Who are the participant(s)?
 
2. What are the variables of interest?
 
3. Identify, where possible, which of those variables (in #2) are independent variable(s) and which are dependent variable(s).
 
4. Are there any extraneous variable(s)? List no more than 3.
 
5. Is this study best described as a causal comparative or a correlational study?
 
6. What method was used to select participants (sampling)?
 

7. What is the research question?
 
8. What is the research hypothesis? 

9. What is the null hypothesis, if any?
  
10. What methods were used to collect the data?
 
11. What methods were used for data reduction (summarization)? 

12. What conclusions were reached? Are these reasonable given the findings?
 
13. Are there any threats to the validity of the study (internal or external)? If so, identify them (limit yourself to 3 or fewer), and determine a way to alter the design to avoid these threats.

Hint: You need to review all 20 threats and determine which ones are most likely to influence the results of the study.

  Submit your group work to Dr. McConney under the heading, "Studying Through Description." See course syllabus for date assignment is due.

  Collecting Data Based on your research question presented during Module Two, with your group members, describe the instrument you will use to collect the data and the evidence you will present regarding its reliability and validity.  
 

   Post your answers on the  WebBoard under the heading"Collect Data. "

See course syllabus for the date assignment is due. 
 

Summary One

Remember to be looking for empirical research articles related to your research question.  

With your group, summarize one of the research articles you will be using in the project.  
 

   Submit your group summary to Dr. McConney under the heading, "Summary One."

See the course syllabus for the date the assignment is due.

  Special Assignment for Group 8 Only 

Outline Chapter 3 using the format of Chapter 1 outline from Module 1.  
  

   Submit your group work on the  WebBoard under the heading, "Experimental Research."

See course syllabus for date the assignment is due.