Experimental and Non-experimental Research:

Which method should you use?

Which research method would be most appropriate for each of the following.
After you have determined which method is best, please give a brief
explanation of why you chose that method.

1. Determining the favorite types of music of the students in a suburban high

school.
A survey would be the best method because it’s only asking for general
information. It’s also the easiest method to ask students and get a large
representative sample.
2. Determining whether a person meets the standard for being considered a genius.
Psychological tests would be the most accurate in finding whether someone meets
the standard of a genius. A psychological test has specifically targeted questions to
determine whether he/she is a genius.
3. Determining if frustration causes aggression
An experiment would be the best method because only experiments can prove
cause and effect. You can control the variables, so it proves cause and effect.
4. Determining if level of education is associated with crime
You would use correlational research to show the correlation between level of
education and crime. Correlational research shows the relationship between two
variables, which is what you want to find.
5. Determining how teenagers behave on their first date
The best method would be naturalistic observation because you can observe them
in it’s natural environment with the full context of the situation.
6. Understanding the relationship (if any) between the weather and criminal
activity.
You would use correlational research to study the relationship between weather
and criminal activity. It’s the best representation of relationships between two
variables.
7. Determining why a housewife gave up a flourishing career
You would use a case study because it’s one specific housewife. This way you can
observe her and gain a deeper understanding of why she gave up her flourishing
career.
8. Understanding the typical behaviors experienced by students who are eating
lunch at school.
The best method would be naturalistic observation because you can observe them
in the natural environment of the cafeteria. You would observe all behaviors and
the full context of the environment.
9. Determining the potential long-term side effects of a new medication.
You would use a longitudinal study to study the long-term effect of the medication
because it provides data for a long period of time.
10. Identifying the most common instructional methods used by teachers in a
particular school district.
A survey would be the best method best you’re asking for general information and
it’s not difficult to ask teachers what instructional methods that they use.