Review the steps of the scientific method found here: http://www.sciencebuddies.

Question

Review the steps of the scientific method found here: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml  

Suppose we want to study whether playing video games increases hyperactive behaviors in children. In a short essay respond to the following:

Explain how you would use the scientific method to study this phenomenon.

Describe the research method you would use (e.g. survey, naturalistic observation, experiment, correlation etc). Explain why you chose this particular method.

Discuss any pros and cons related to the method you chose.  

Explanation / Answer

A correlatiional study can be used in order to astudy the impact of playing video games on hyperactive behaviours among children. Participants can be recruited randomly from a directory comprising of the list of children residing in a particular area. Next, their extent of video game usage can be determined using a Likert scale which can be filled out by their parents. They can then be placed under standardised conditions to observe and assess their hyperactive behaviours. Once the values of the two variables are obtained, a correlation can be conducted which would indicate the degree and direction of relationship between playing video games and hyperactivity.

The primary issue with this the correlation method is that it merely indicates whether or not two variables vary together, that is, if changes occurring in one variable are accompanied by predictable changes in the other as well. It does not allow us to establish a cause and effect relationship between the variables. In order to assess causality, one has to employ the experimental method which however is not always practical or even possible.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse R
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.