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Descriptive Research. Survey research Developmental studies Follow-up studies Sociometric Studies. Surveys. Researcher samples a portion of a large population Allows to infer the current status of an issue Nutritional practices Exercise patterns. Developmental Studies.
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Descriptive Research • Survey research • Developmental studies • Follow-up studies • Sociometric Studies
Surveys • Researcher samples a portion of a large population • Allows to infer the current status of an issue Nutritional practices Exercise patterns
Developmental Studies • Changes in behavior due to age, growth or maturation • Cross-sectional- multiple ages studied simultaneously • Longitudinal - same group studied across time
Follow-up Studies • Used to determine status after a period of time • Determine the effectiveness of a program
Sociometric Studies • Assessment and analysis of interpersonal relationships • Interpreted by way of sociogram
Pros Efficient May be mailed Developed to meet the needs of the researcher Cons Difficult to construct May not be returned Conducting Descriptive Research Developing the Questionnaire
Getting Started • Statement of the Problem • Selection of subjects • Subjects must be willing to participate
Questionnaire Construction • Attractive and brief • Avoid items not pertinent to study • Responses usually yes/no or multiple choice • Word each question based on 1 concept • Standardize the directions for administration
Preparing the cover letter • Used to motivate subjects to respond • Explains the purpose of the study and gives good reason to return • Anonymity should be assured • Deadlines dates should be given
Pre-Testing the Questionnaire • Pilot the survey • Proof read by 2 or 3 colleagues • Mailed to a small sample • If return rate is low, examine the instrument and the letter
Follow-up • 70% of your surveys should be returned for your study to be valid • Send a reminder • Send a second set of questions with a new cover letter
Analysis of Results • Report response rates for each item • Report overall percentage of returns • May compare responses across items • Cannot establish a direct cause and effect
Other Descriptive Research Techniques • Interview Technique • Observational Research • Naturalistic • Simulation • Meta-analysis