1. Explain the concept of random assignment in experimental design and why it is important.
Random assignment is one of the best of the experimental control techniques. By forming groups randomly, the groups become probabilistically equated on all known and unknown variables at the start of the experiment. The aim of the random assignment is to take a sample, often a convenience sample and divide the sample randomly into two or more groups that represent each other. Every research subject has an equal chance of being assigned to the treatment or control group. Randomization is often achieved through the use of computer programs that can generate random numbers. In experimental research, random assignment is more important that random selection because the aim of an experiment is to establish cause and effect relations. Random assignment plays a role in producing internal validity. In addition, random assignment helps control for the influence of extraneous or confounding variables. Random assignment implies that the researcher is taken out of the loop of making decisions about who goes to the different groups. A mathematic theory of probability is utilized to conduct the random assignment. Random assignment “equates the groups” on all known and unknown extraneous variables at the beginning of the experiment. It makes it possible that any significant difference between the groups is due to the effects of the treatment or program. As such, random assignment increases the confidence of the research to conclude or report a cause and effect relationship. It is a valid and powerful tool for drawing valid inferences about cause and effect.
2. People are often reluctant to discuss personal behaviors, religious beliefs and the like. Suggest ways a survey might be designed so as to maximize respondents’ comfort with such questions.
Surveys are vital strategies for gathering information and sometimes involve the collection of sensitive personal information or opinions. In order to increase responses to such questions, it is important first to establish a rapport with the respondent and to start the interview with questions that do not make the respondent feel vulnerable. Interviews and surveys are based on mutual respect, trust, and rapport, which may be difficult to establish sometimes. In order to improve response to such questions, it is critical to providing confidentiality and anonymity. In the introduction section of the survey questionnaire, it is essential to assure the response that his or her responses will be anonymous or confidential. Inform him or her that responses will be used in combination with others to learn about the phenomenon of interest. In addition, it is vital to obtain consent from the respondent. It is also essential to consider the setting of the survey. Will the question be asked in private or in public?
3. A newspaper reports from a survey that college students study on average seven hours a week for their classes. Identify the statistics and any other information that you would want to know from this survey before making generalizations about the student population at large, and explain why
Researchers use inferential statistics to assess whether it is possible to generalize findings. The generalization of the finding or the external validity of the finding is affected by numerous factors. Most of the reasons for the lack of generalization have to do with the potential sampling errors. These factors help one decide whether to generalize the findings or not. First, individuals who were pretested for the study might be less or more sensitive to the experimental variables. Secondly, the selection of the subjects or participants determines the generalization of result findings. In order to support the generalization of the findings, the researcher ought to use probability or random method of sampling. Thirdly, the experimental procedures and arrangements have the effect on the subjects in the experimental setting. It is not feasible to generalize the findings to persons no in the experimental setting. The nature of the instrument used to collect the data may influence the generalization of findings. Statistical theory severely limits the generality of the results to the same subject population sampled, he same experimental conditions and the same level of the independent variables. Adherence to these requirements may make the research futile. The internal validity of the study is also influenced by the testing effect, instrumentation, and statistical regression. History of all the events that occur beside that treatment and the events in the experiment influences generalization. The psychological and physical changes in the participants determines the level at which it is possible to generalize findings.
4. What statistics covered in this chapter (Ch. 6 and Ch. 7) would you consider essential for reporting the results of your research project, and why?
Often, researchers use a combination of both descriptive and inferential statistics. However, the most important statistics are the inferential statistics that include t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. These statistics enables the researcher to estimate the probability that a sample represent the population from which it is derived. Researchers use inferential statistics to determine the extent and the direction of association between variables of interest. A t-test is very important when a research want to compare two groups of sample.. For example, if a research wants to use a control and experiment group, a t-test would help determine whether the two are significantly different. When more than two groups are used, t test becomes ineffective, and the researcher use ANOVA to determine the probability the groups are significantly different. Correlation statistics is useful in determining the extent and the direction of relationship or association between different variables. ANOVA is important in comparing values of multiple groups to determine the probability they are statistically different.
Descriptive statistics is also essential in the research because they help summarize and describe the sample. Most researchers begin their analysis by giving an overview of their sample, which often constitutes descriptive data. The research may give the mean age of the participants, the gender distribution, education level, income level and other demographic valuables using descriptive statistics such as mean, median, and mode. The measure of dispersions such as standard deviation and variance are essential in describing the sample in a detailed way. In most instances, the descriptive analysis is presented in the form of tables, graphs, and other visual elements.
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using semantic differential scales as a way of measuring human communication.
Semantic differential scale usually uses rating if stimuli using bipolar scales. Each bipolar scale is defined by a pair of contrasting adjectives such as fast-slow, cheap-expensive and high-low. One of the greatest advantages of the methods is its simplicity while producing results as compared to other complex scaling methods. Semantic differential scaling is easy and faster to administer, but it is insensitive to small differences in attitude. It is also very versatile, reliable and valid. Semantic differential identifies specific favorable or objectionable aspects of a complex and often multi-faceted issues and concepts. It provides an overall response scale score for the entire concept. However, they are only useful when exploring issues involving bipolar opposites. In addition, the adjectives may have different meanings for different people. Semantic differential scales are difficult to construct. Words that form authentic opposite had to be fund and pretested for meaning before use. As such, constructing the differential scales take a time to establish the reliability and validity.