Laura is designing a study that examines difference in social skills between children raised in a three-generation family household compared to those raised in a two-generation family home. Laura is likely to study this research topic by use of
A) causal-comparative research because it is an ex post facto design, the events have already happened.
B) descriptive research because she will not attempt to explain any reasons for differences in social skills.
C) experimental research because she wants to manipulate the independent variable, type of home environment.
D) Correlational research because she will only address relationships and not levels of an independent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Laura is examining a pre-existing difference in social skills based on family structure. She cannot manipulate the independent variable of family structure, so she must use a causal-comparative research design, which is an ex post facto design where the events have already occurred. This type of design allows examination of differences that naturally occur between groups.

Laura Is Designing a Study That Examines Difference in Social