psyc 4600 Quasi-Experimental Research

psyc 4600 Quasi-Experimental Research

Overview

This week, you explored quasi-experimental research designs. In this assignment, you will apply what you learned by analyzing a research scenario and answering questions about its design, validity, and ethical considerations.

Note: FirstPass, an AI-powered feedback tool, is available to use as you draft this assignment. The FirstPass tool for this assignment is available in the Weekly To-Do List and includes directions on how to upload your draft to receive real-time feedback before you submit for a grade.

Preparation

Download the Week 7 Assignment Template [DOCX] and select one of the scenarios below.

Choose one of the following scenarios. You will use your selected scenario to complete the questions in the Week 7 Assignment template.

Option #1. Math Curricula

A large school district wanted to evaluate whether implementing a new math curriculum improved student performance. To do this, they compared standardized test scores from schools in the district that adopted the new curriculum to those that continued using the existing one. Teachers and students were not randomly assigned to schools. Instead, mathematics curriculum directors at each school, who were experienced math teachers, made the decision about whether to implement the new curriculum or keep the current one for the academic year. The district provided professional development workshops for schools that adopted the new curriculum, while schools using the old curriculum continued with their usual practices. Researchers collected data at the end of the school year to assess differences in student achievement.

Option #2. Employee Wellness Program

Researchers studied whether participation in a workplace wellness program reduced employee stress levels. The program was delivered through an app that allowed employees to earn points for recording certain health-related behaviors, such as exercising regularly, getting annual immunizations, and completing preventive screenings. Employees could also earn rewards for completing an annual physical exam. Stress was measured using a standardized self-report scale at the beginning of the study and again after six months. Participation in the program was voluntary, and employees who signed up were compared to those who did not. Researchers also tracked app engagement data to examine whether higher participation levels were associated with greater reductions in stress.

Option #3. Counseling Approaches

A counseling center wanted to know if group therapy sessions improved coping skills for clients experiencing social anxiety more than individual therapy sessions. Clients who chose group therapy were compared to those who opted for individual therapy. Both types of therapy were provided by licensed counselors and followed evidence-based treatment protocols. Group sessions consisted of 6–8 participants and focused on social interaction and shared experiences, while individual sessions emphasized personalized strategies. The center measured coping skills at the beginning of the study and again after eight weeks using a standardized questionnaire. Attendance and participation were tracked to ensure clients were actively engaged in their chosen therapy format.

Instructions

1. Complete the template by typing your responses directly into the designated sections.
2. If you use any sources, include them on the References page in proper APA format.
3. After drafting your initial responses:
   1. Upload your assignment to FirstPass for feedback.
   2. Use the feedback provided to revise your work.
   3. Repeat this cycle of revising and requesting feedback until you are satisfied with your assignment.
4. Submit the final version of your assignment to the assignment drop box.

Citation Requirement

• Cite at least two different references. Visit the Bachelor's in Psychology Library Research Guide for help finding resources in the Capella University Library.
• Acceptable sources for this assignment include your textbook, scholarly sources, and credible non-scholarly sources.
• Use narrative or parenthetical citations when addressing the prompts.
• Ensure that all in-text citations correspond to a full reference entry on the References page in correct APA style. Use Academic Writer for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing Center for more APA resources specific to your degree level.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:

• Competency 1: Analyze psychological research studies using appropriate research methods terminology.
  • Explain why the selected study is quasi-experimental.
• 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 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
  • Demonstrate good scholarly writing skills with minimal errors and appropriately integrate ethical use of AI tools.
  • Apply correct APA Style for the minimum number of in-text citations and references.