Experimental Strategies of Inquiry. Quantitative Methods: Surveys Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 580 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2

experimental strategies of inquiry.

Quantitative methods: Surveys vs. experiments

Surveys are primarily used to compile data on a particular phenomenon. Cross-sectional studies attempt to encapsulate a phenomenon that is occurring at a particular point in time while longitudinal studies track a phenomenon for an extended duration of time (Survey methods, 2013, IS School). Regardless, the purpose of surveys is informative. The method is not designed come to a conclusion about why something is taking place and how we should address it. For example, a cross-sectional survey might attempt to discern the patterns of Internet use of low-income students within a particular district. A longitudinal study might track those patterns of Internet use over time. Surveys can be useful to gather data for experiments even though they rarely establish causal relationships themselves.

An experiment, in contrast, poses a hypothesis that can be proven or disproven.

Stuck Writing Your "Experimental Strategies of Inquiry. Quantitative Methods: Surveys" Essay?

View All Our Example Experimental Strategies of Inquiry. Quantitative Methods: Surveys Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

The experimenter understands that many different factors can affect outcomes, so a control group will be used that is similar to the experimental group, except for the presence of the independent variable that is being tested. There is "constancy of conditions across groups (aside from experimental manipulation" and assignments to control groups are randomized (Data collection, n.d., Research PO 390W: 2). The experimenter manipulates the introduction of the independent variable. The dependent variable is the result that is produced that may or may not prove the initial hypothesis (Independent vs. dependent variables, 2013, UNCP). For example, the experimenter might hypothesize that a lack of Internet access is associated with low grades for low-income students, because of lack of informational resources at home. "The experiment is the most systematic and fruitful form of data collection in the social sciences" (Data collection, n.d., Research PO 390W:….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Experimental Strategies Of Inquiry Quantitative Methods Surveys" (2013, July 28) Retrieved May 17, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/experimental-strategies-inquiry-quantitative-97476

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Experimental Strategies Of Inquiry Quantitative Methods Surveys" 28 July 2013. Web.17 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/experimental-strategies-inquiry-quantitative-97476>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Experimental Strategies Of Inquiry Quantitative Methods Surveys", 28 July 2013, Accessed.17 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/experimental-strategies-inquiry-quantitative-97476
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example