Question

Three research methods are observational or descriptive studies, correlation research, and experiments. Each of these research methods has their strengths and weaknesses. Copy and paste the chart below into a Word document or recreate the chart on a piece of paper. Then, complete the chart.
Answer these questions for each of the 3 methods.
Basic Description
Uses (1-2)
Strengths
Weaknesses

Observational or Descriptive Studies












Correlation Research












Experiments














Answers

GPT-4o mini
Here’s a completed chart based on your request. You can replicate this format in a Word document or on paper.

| **Research Method** | **Basic Description** | **Uses (1-2)** | **Strengths** | **Weaknesses** |
|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| **Observational or Descriptive Studies** | These studies involve observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation or intervention. | **1.** To describe behaviors, events, or conditions. <br> **2.** To generate hypotheses for future research. | 1. Provides rich, qualitative data. <br> 2. Useful for studying phenomena that cannot be ethically or practically manipulated. | 1. Cannot establish causation. <br> 2. Observer bias may affect results. |
| **Correlation Research** | This method examines the relationship between two or more variables to determine if they are associated. | **1.** To identify relationships between variables. <br> **2.** To make predictions based on correlations. | 1. Allows for the analysis of relationships in large datasets. <br> 2. Useful for preliminary research before experimental studies. | 1. Cannot determine causation; correlation does not imply causation. <br> 2. Potential for confounding variables. |
| **Experiments** | This method involves manipulating one or more variables to observe their effect on another variable, often in a controlled environment. | **1.** To determine cause-and-effect relationships. <br> **2.** To test hypotheses in a controlled setting. | 1. Can establish causation. <br> 2. High level of control over variables. | 1. Can lack ecological validity (not generalizable to real-world situations). <br> 2. Ethical considerations may limit types of experiments possible. |

Feel free to modify or expand on any sections based on additional insights or requirements.