Module Seven    Correlational  and Causal-Comparative Research
Learning Objectives

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

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

  Diagram and describe the basic causal-comparative design.

  List and briefly describe the main steps involved in basic correlational research.

  Describe the size and direction of values associated with a correlation coefficient.

  State the major differences between correlational and causal-comparative research. 

  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 correlational research article, evaluate the strength of the research design. 

  Briefly describe four different types of correlation and the nature of the variables they are used to correlate. 

  Describe the difference between a linear  and a curvilinear relationship. 

  Identify and briefly describe two factors that may contribute to an inaccurate estimate of relationship. 

  Briefly define or describe predictor variables and criterion variables. 

  Identify and describe three types of control procedures that may be used in a causal-comparative study. 

  Explain why the results of causal-comparative studies must be interpreted very cautiously. 

  Compare and contrast measures of central tendency, and measures of variability.

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 or to Dr. Abalos 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. 

Please note: this WebBoard link is for Dr. McConney's section only.

Dr. Abalos' students please open another window in your browser, and log on to http://onyx.fgcu.edu/~134
 

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 or to Dr. Abalos under the heading, "Summary One."

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

Please note: this WebBoard link is for Dr. McConney's section only.

Dr. Abalos' students please open another window in your browser, and log on to http://onyx.fgcu.edu/~134

Modules