Questions: Answer the following questions: 1. Identify 2 research designs that you think are appropriate to answer your research question. 2. Pick one design. Identify 2 limitations to external validity of the method you have selected. 3. Pick one design. Identify 2 strengths (that might lead to solid internal validity) of the method you have selected. 4. Based on your research question and proposed sample, which research design do you think is most appropriate and why? Write the start of your methods section. You can do so on this page, or as its own page. This is going to start looking more like the final paper for this course. For this assignment will only include Procedures, Measures, and Strengths and Limitations. Here are the elements that must be in the section: METHODS This is a summary statement that tells you my overall plan. First, identify if you will use a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research framework (you must choose one of these options and say so by name). Is the study experimental? What type of research is it (descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, or evaluation)? Then, identify the design by name. Must include: Short summary; Framework by name; Method by name; Variables (identify DVs and IVs) by name

To address the questions provided, let's begin by identifying appropriate research designs and discussing their limitations and strengths.

1. Identify 2 research designs that you think are appropriate to answer your research question.

   Two common research designs that could be appropriate are:

   • Experimental Design: This involves manipulating one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable. It is often used to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
   • Correlational Design: This design examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It is useful for identifying associations and predicting outcomes.

2. Pick one design. Identify 2 limitations to external validity of the method you have selected.

   Let's choose the Experimental Design:

   • Limited Generalizability: The controlled environment of an experiment may not reflect real-world conditions, making it difficult to generalize findings to broader populations.
   • Sample Bias: If the sample is not representative of the population, the results may not be applicable to other groups or settings.

3. Pick one design. Identify 2 strengths (that might lead to solid internal validity) of the method you have selected.

   Again, considering the Experimental Design:

   • Control Over Variables: By manipulating the independent variable and controlling extraneous variables, researchers can establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
   • Random Assignment: This helps ensure that any differences between groups are due to the treatment rather than pre-existing differences, enhancing internal validity.

Now, let's draft the start of the methods section for a hypothetical research study:

METHODS

This study employs a quantitative research framework, specifically utilizing an experimental design to explore the causal relationship between [Independent Variable] and [Dependent Variable]. The study is explanatory in nature, aiming to determine the effect of [Independent Variable] on [Dependent Variable].

Procedures

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will receive [specific treatment or intervention], or the control group, which will receive no treatment or a placebo. The intervention will be administered over a period of [time frame], and data will be collected at multiple points to assess changes in the dependent variable.

Measures

The primary dependent variable, [Dependent Variable], will be measured using [specific measurement tool or method]. The independent variable, [Independent Variable], will be manipulated by [describe how the variable will be manipulated]. Additional covariates, such as [list any other variables], will be controlled for in the analysis.

Strengths and Limitations

One strength of this experimental design is the ability to establish causality through manipulation of the independent variable and control of extraneous factors. Random assignment further enhances internal validity by minimizing selection bias. However, the controlled setting may limit external validity, as the findings may not be generalizable to real-world scenarios. Additionally, the sample may not be representative of the broader population, which could affect the generalizability of the results.

This section outlines the overall plan for the study, including the research framework, method, and key variables, while also addressing the strengths and limitations of the chosen design.