Survey Research, Quasi-Experiments, and Single-Subject Research
Complete the worksheet, where you will analyze scenarios and design research methods that align with each.
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Introduction
Assessment 4 focuses on three research approaches commonly used in psychology: survey research, quasi‑experimental research, and single‑subject research. Survey and quasi‑experimental studies typically involve larger samples, whereas single‑subject research often focuses on very small samples or individual participants. Together, these methods provide valuable tools for understanding behavior in applied and research settings.
Overview
For this assessment, you will complete a three‑part worksheet:
- Part A: Survey research.
- Part B: Quasi‑experimental research.
- Part C: Single‑subject research.
Each part includes specific prompts and citation requirements.
Preparation
- Before you begin this assessment, review all the information provided on the Resources tab.
- Download the Assessment 4 Template [DOCX].
Instructions
Complete and submit the Assessment 4 Template The worksheet provides detailed instructions. Pay special attention to the citation requirements for each part of the assessment and be sure to complete all three parts.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Analyze psychological research studies using appropriate research methods terminology.
- Analyze a situation to select a survey format and explain why it was chosen.
- Describe a step to avoid a specific type of response bias.
- Explain why the selected study is quasi-experimental.
- Design a single-subject research study that will address the selected scenario using research methods terminology.
- Competency 2: Apply the concepts of reliability and validity to evaluate psychological research.
- Identify and explain a specific threat to validity in a provided quasi-experimental research study.
- Competency 3: Analyze ethical principles in psychological research studies.
- Explain why it is or is not possible to design an ethical research study to address a given research question.
- Competency 4: Explain the importance of psychological research methods for professional practice.
- Explain the importance of understanding survey research methods.
- Explain why methods matter with a concrete example from your identified field.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Clearly and concisely describe the selected context.
- Demonstrate good scholarly writing skills with minimal errors.
- Apply correct APA Style for the minimum number of in-text citations and references.Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.Collapse All
Readings and APA Terminology to Know
Readings
In Research Methods in Psychology [PDF]:- Read Chapter 7, “Survey Research,” pages 121–144.
- Read Chapter 8, “Quasi-Experimental Research,” pages 144–158.
- Read Chapter 9, “Single-Subject Research,” pages 159–174.
Survey Research in Real Life
Below are examples of how survey research is used in real-world settings. Explore these reports to see how survey results are summarized and applied:- Assessment 4: Survey Research in Real Life reading list.
APA Dictionary of Psychology
The American Psychological Association (APA) has the APA Dictionary of Psychology, a free online dictionary where they provide definitions of psychological terms, including terms related to psychological research methods.Review the following definitions:Survey Research
- Survey.
- Likert scale.
- Response bias.
- Social desirability.
- Acquiescent response set.
- Demand characteristics.
- Rating scale.
- Mutually exclusive events.
- Exhaustive.
- Translation and back-translation.
- Probability sampling.
- Convenience sampling.
- Quota sampling.
- Snowball sampling.
- Sampling frame.
- Simple random sampling.
- Stratified sampling.
- Proportional sampling.
- Cluster sampling.
- Sampling bias.
Quasi-Experiments
- Quasi-experimental design.
- Internal validity.
- External validity.
- One-group pretest–posttest design.
- History effect.
- Maturation.
- Testing effect.
- Regression toward the mean.
- Spontaneous remission.
- Interrupted time-series design.
- Nonequivalent groups design.
- Diffusion of treatment.
Single-Subject Research
- Single-case design.
- Experimental analysis of behavior.
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA).
- Steady state.
- Reversal design.
- Multiple baseline design.
- Alternating treatments design.
- Internal validity.
- External validity.