Research Methods

• As indicated at the start of this 2nd module, we are going to focus our attention on the research variables examined in quantitative research, in conjunction with the specific types of data used to operationalize and measure research variables within the realm of quantitative research—as detailed below.
  1. First, develop another set of research questions illustrating each of the following types of quantitative research studies:
  2. Descriptive Research Study

• Correlational Research Study
• Causal Research Study

1. Next, identify the research variables embedded within each research question – specifying the independent variable(s) and the dependent variable(s). If there is not a distinction between the types of variables, indicate this and explain.
2. Specify if each research variable is a discrete variable OR a continuous variable.

• 1. Finally, specify the level of measure for each variable
  2. Nominal?
• Ordinal?
• Interval?
• Ratio?

1. Briefly discuss why you came to the conclusions above for questions 1-4.

2. Assignment Expectations

When your work is completed, review your work a few more times—making sure that your work is in line with each of the following expectations:

1. Do your research questions accurately and clearly illustrate each type of research study?
2. Do you accurately and clearly identify the independent and dependent research variables in each research question?
3. Do you accurately and clearly specify the type of data
4. Does your work demonstrate a solid grasp on this aspect of research.
5. Does your work reflect graduate level writing?
6. Is your essay 3-5 pages in length?