If a researcher wanted to know why there was a noticeable increase in the number of burglaries in the town of Southpaw during 2005, the researcher would design a(n):
A)descriptive study.
B)explanatory study.
C)panel study.
D)study of characteristics.
E)exploratory study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An explanatory study aims to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between variables, in this case, the increase in burglaries in Southpaw in 2005. The researcher would seek to explain the reasons behind the rise in burglaries, which could include factors like changes in the local economy or an increase in drug use. A descriptive study, on the other hand, would simply describe the phenomenon of increased burglaries without trying to explain why it happened. A panel study would involve following a group of individuals over time to observe changes, whereas a study of characteristics would examine the attributes of individuals or groups, without necessarily investigating a specific phenomenon. An exploratory study, finally, would be more loosely structured and aimed at generating ideas or hypotheses about a particular issue.

If a Researcher Wanted to Know Why There Was a Noticeable