Unit 4: Other Designs – Correlational and Comparative Research in Psychology|ignou Audiobook| MAPC

*Unit 4: Other Designs – Correlational and Comparative Research in Psychology*

Unit 4 explores two important research designs in psychology: correlational design and *causal-comparative design*. These methods allow researchers to analyze relationships and comparisons without manipulating variables, offering valuable insights into patterns and causes within natural settings.

The unit begins with an introduction to correlational research design*, which examines relationships between variables to see if they change together, though it doesn’t imply causation. Various *types of correlational designs are discussed, along with an evaluation of their advantages (like identifying patterns) and disadvantages (such as the inability to determine causation). Quality standards for assessing correlational research are also outlined, ensuring students understand how to evaluate reliability and validity in correlational studies.

The unit then introduces causal-comparative (or ex post facto) design*, which investigates potential causes or effects by comparing pre-existing groups. Students learn about the similarities and differences between *correlational and *causal-comparative designs*, with the key distinction being that causal-comparative studies aim to infer possible causes, while correlational studies focus solely on relationships. Additionally, the unit compares *causal-comparative and experimental designs*, noting that while both seek to explore causation, causal-comparative research lacks random assignment and experimental control.

The unit concludes with methods of data analysis in causal-comparative research, along with a balanced view of its advantages (practicality, insights into causation) and limitations (risk of confounding variables). Through this unit, students gain a comprehensive understanding of these research designs, which are essential for examining relationships and comparisons in psychology.

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