PLEASE POST EACH DISCUSSION SEPARATELY

1) Explain why you agree with your colleague’s assessment of the assigned study
and why.

2) Identify any potential threats to internal and external validity that your
colleague has not mentioned.

3) Examine the ethical implications your colleague has described and identify any
other potential ethical issues your colleague has not mentioned.

4) Propose at least one idea of how a quantitative research design might be used
for your colleague’s research topic.

REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION BY ANSWERING THE ABOVE

INSTRUCTIONS

DISCUSSION 1 (Katherine)

Compare and contrast the characteristics of experimental and non-experimental quantitative

research.

Research has to do with the collection and analysis of data, it helps in quantifying the depth
of research done, studies in which the psychologist observes, measures and expresses in
numeric forms, using statistical analysis (Allwood, C. (2012). This research is what enables
the researcher to look deeper and understand the calculative angle to any research done, as
its application deals with numbers. In comparison, the experimental and non-experimental
quantitative research, are both quantitative researches , that are used to check hypothesis
and end up being result oriented.

Experimental quantitative research makes use of hypothesis in its scientific study, focusing
on interviews, from the qualitative angle, and using experiments to back it up (Allwood, C.
(2012). It is the more expensive type of quantitative research, using fact and figures to test
the hypothesis, with experiments to cap it all, before arriving at results. This has practical
examples and proof of what analysis they are trying to get.

Non-experimental is the opposite, which is like the correlative research; this is where the
researcher tries to get a definite and descriptive way in getting solution, majorly with past
events or happenings. You give a descriptive methodology to any research rather than
using the experimental method. This method is less cost effective than the experimental
type. In this type of research , variables are measured as they occur.

State the research question the researchers were trying to answer in the study.

In this context, the researcher tries to understand the types of variables in the data collected for

research and their measurement scale. It poses as a measurement scale and determines the

statistical procedure to give valid results (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). also pertinent to note that

variables are in two categories and sub categories; categorical and numeric. The categorical

variable is the qualitative and not quantifiable, while the numeric (numbers) are the quantitative

variable. The effect of an independent variable on a dependent one, as the independent one is

controlled by the experimenter, hence changing due to the response of the dependent. These

changes affect the dependent variables and its affect and responds to what is been thrown at it. In

this context, the question that might have risen, is why we have older adults are suffering from

major depression?.

Identify the type of quantitative research design that was used in the assigned study.

Quantitative variables have variables that are calculative or mathematical. The assigned study

explained the categories of descriptive statistics; measures and its tendencies of variability. The

types of designs involved in measuring the variables without manipulating them, using

manipulation of an independent variable, random assignment and the control of extraneous

variables. The experimental and non experimental techniques which encompasses gathering data

and conducting statistical analysis for the research purpose, navigating through several variables,

the use of logistics, gathering of statistical data, using questionnaires and numbers.

Evaluate whether the researchers’ conclusion follows logically from the evidence presented.

The researchers job is to do findings (research), which brings us to a conclusion with logical

evidence presented. This research resolutes a systematic way to find a solution of a problem, that

has helped in giving us knowledge and understanding, it helped with the formulation of the

problem, collecting the data, with the solution that has analyzed the data. The quantitative

method involved both survey and experimental research, collecting the data with analyses, using

logical evidence.

Identify threats to internal and external validity that might apply to how this study was

conducted.

Internal and external validity are inter-woven. While the internal validity focused on the conduct,

its analysis, and how the research questions were answered without bias, the external validity is

the random selections that were made. The external validity cannot be overlooked in research, as

there could be situations of random selections to proffer easy and fast solutions (Henrich, Heine,

and Norenzayan, 2010a). The internal validity ensures that all research questions are adequately

answered, with proper analysis, and conduct, hence minimizing the external influences therein.

There has been variations among the human populace, which has exposed some experimental

findings from disciplines with visual perception, some analytic level of reasoning, fair

judgement, memory and the heritability of IQ, with the use of WEIRD representatives.Hence not

forgetting that selections were done.

Determine whether validity threats were addressed by the researchers. If so, describe how this

was done.

In Quantitative methods and research, there is also purpose of threats to validity, to avoid any

factors that might have been unduly influential on the research as a whole. In internal and

external validity, there were threats to its study, which jeopardized its application, and this is not

new with every research; the history (giving us an insight on the start of the research), the

maturation (the process and how it unfolds), testing (how effective the first test and what follows

likewise). These were used in the screening process to understand which was applicable.

Summarize ethical considerations that were mentioned in the research report.

We must acknowledge informed consent in ethical considerations. that was mentioned, without

personal biases in the course of the research. There was confidentiality and purpose as they had

the approval afterwards; it begins with the purpose of what the research will be all about, then

you either decline the offer, accept, or withdraw (which of course, has its consequences), not

forgetting how beneficial it would turn out for both parties, with utmost clarity and questions for

proper understanding and enlightenment. (8.02). APA, 2017. Ethical considerations in research

should not be overlooked, as we have guidelines that protect the ethics of the profession, and

serve as a guide for researches while they conduct their research.

Assess what ethical considerations apply to the design of the study but that were not mentioned

by the researchers.

In research, there are principles that guides researchers, and the psychologist in both the

quantitative and qualitative methods of their researches; the informed consent, and

confidentiality is paramount, its hypothesis(which was not clearly stated), the risks and biases

involved in research, before getting to the conclusion that gives us the result. All of these

encumbered gives the researcher a clear and distinctive research, which was not clearly stated as

part of the processes that was followed.

Explain how you might do a study on this topic differently and why your approach would be

more appropriate than the one used by the researchers.

As a researcher, the first thing to bear in mind is to have a result-oriented research, with mixed

research methods (as was given in this context). The research should start by trying to narrow it

down to my level of understanding and how I intend to give it the desired simplicity for my

understanding (as a credible researcher), and the participants. The language should be clearly

understood, information passed and carried out correctly, with the use of questionnaires

(qualitative method), whilst I conduct the research using numbers, and statistics (quantitative

method), without limitations on the number of institutions, which will enable me get a good

hypothesis and conclusion.

Evaluate whether a quantitative approach would be useful for the research topic you chose in

Week 1.

In the topic I chose in week 1, that bothers on human relations, I could use the quantitative

method. If for instance, my topic had to do with the rising rate of sexual harassment in an

institution. The use of questionnaires will be of help, aside having a human related discussion

with the students, having a calculated analyses with facts and figures will give the approach and

research more leverage and result. Using tabulation can help give an estimated figure to my

findings, and help getting accurate figures to the graph I would prepare to explain the rise and

fall in numbers.

Describe the actions you would take to ensure that a quantitative study on your topic would be

ethical.

In doing this (as mentioned in the question before this), there should be statistical documentation,

making sure my research meets the three prongs of its ethics; data access, transparency

(production and analytical), making sure I adhere to the ethical principles of psychology,

following its guides, and direction, as I go on with my study (APA, 2017). This will give an

understanding of the research, a clear knowledge of what it entails in plain language, and

carefully avoiding errors. Noting that, as a researcher, there should be no falsification of figures,

fabricated stories or even putting figures in the wrong spot. That is my opinion.

References

American Psychological Association,

(March).

Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. (2022, amended effective June 1, 2010,

and January 1, 2017). https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/indexLinks to an external site.

Allwood, C. (2012). The distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods is

problematic. Quality and Quantity, 46, 1417-1412. Retrieved November 6, 2013, from EBSCO

Online Database SocINDEX http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxLinks to an external site.?

direct=true&db=sih&AN=77493397&site=ehost-live.

Creswell, J.W., & Creswell, J. D (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed

methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE.

Henrich, L., Heine, S.J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). Most people are not WEIRD. Nature,

466(7302),29. https://doi.org/10.1038/466029a

DISCUSSION 2

1) Explain why you agree with your colleague’s assessment of the assigned study
and why.
2) Identify any potential threats to internal and external validity that your

colleague has not mentioned.
3) Examine the ethical implications your colleague has described and identify any

other potential ethical issues your colleague has not mentioned.
4) Propose at least one idea of how a quantitative research design might be used

for your colleague’s research topic.

REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION BY ANSWERING THE ABOVE

INSTRUCTIONS

DISCUSSION 2 (Megan)

Compare and contrast the characteristics of experimental and nonexperimental

quantitative research.

A quantitative research study is taking data from a sample or population and interpreting the

results by first predicting the outcome of the research (Creswell, 2018). The difference between

experimental and nonexperimental characteristics is experiments are used to help test a

hypothesis by changing a variable to which can have a cause-and-effect outcome. According to

Creswell, “an experimental method plan follows a standard form a) participants and design b)

procedure, and c) measures (2018, p 160).

State the research question the researchers were trying to answer in the study.

Are aging adults (60 thru 104) more likely to depressive symptoms over other ages?

Identify the type of quantitative research design that was used in the assigned study.

A questionnaire was given to participants in both small and large long term nursing homes to

assess depression through a DSM-IV-TR collection criteria (Taylor, 2020). The activities of

daily living (ADL), cognition, and a Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) were included and

assessed during this process to analyze the variables.

Evaluate whether the researchers’ conclusion follows logically from the evidence presented.

The researcher’s conclusion of a higher probability of those elderly who are in a LTC are more

likely to be depressed than those who are not, does not evaluate any elderly who are not.

Identify threats to internal and external validity that might apply to how this study was

conducted.

From the facts, there is a higher probability given the circumstances; however, there should be a

follow up research study to solidify the differences of those who live at home versus those who

must be institutionalized. The threat is the utilization of instruments used in the screening

process.

Determine whether validity threats were addressed by the researchers. If so, describe how

this was done.

Another threat which was addressed was the MMSE test which determined the other variables to

reduce the participants of 31.2 percent.

Summarize ethical considerations that were mentioned in the research report.

There didn’t seem like there were psychological factors with the aftermath of having to do these

studies and research. IF the elderly are severely depressed, there is a chance opening a can of

worms can cause future mental health concerns. Did these participants volunteer? How did this

sample come about? What is the location of the facilities (i.e. lower income population or

middle income?).

Assess what ethical considerations apply to the design of the study but that were not

mentioned by the researchers.

They conducted the research by obtaining informed consent. They most likely had to ask their

relatives or legal representative to explain and get permission before conducting the research.

Explain how you might do a study on this topic differently and why your approach would

be more appropriate than the one used by the researchers.

I would have most likely conducted research in various regions and with a bigger sample

population. Ethically, the nature of facilities is not a very nice implication for clients who must

stay there. I’ve worked in these facilities and the lack of treatment and understaffing is another

reason they are depressed let alone being left by families to have someone else care for them.

Evaluate whether a quantitative approach would be useful for the research topic you chose

in Week 1.

I would use the mixed method of using both a quantitative and qualitative approach. My future

career will be about ensuring the right treatment is involved with our veterans. Some types of

measures are important to know before therapy due to medications may need to be in place so

there will be less triggers.

Describe the actions you would take to ensure that a quantitative study on your topic would

be ethical

Initially, the consent forms would be the first item to ensure the veteran will be protecting their

right to receive treatment and to provide information to them and reduce liability by protecting

their PHI and confidentiality.

References:

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed

methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE.

Taylor & Francis Group (2020). Psychology, Health& Medicine vol.25, no. 8 909-

916. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=ccm&AN=1454

69920&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8856897