What methods of data collection were used, and why do you think the researcher used these methods?

Research Skills: From Methods & Procedures to Analysis & Reporting (7PADMPAR) (1500 words +10%) Look at the five studies provided in the folder ‘Coursework 1 studies for review’. Choose four out of the five studies. For each of your chosen four studies, answer the questions set below: 1. What research design is used, and why do you think the authors chose this method? 2. What were the independent (or predictor) and dependent (or outcome) variables(s)? What other variables not mentioned in the study might be useful to record and why? 3. What methods of data collection were used, and why do you think the researcher used these methods? 4. What evidence, if any, is there of the reliability and/or validity of the chosen measures? 5. What are some of the weaknesses of this type of study design? You can consider general weaknesses of the design and, if applicable, discuss how they affect the chosen study. Could you use a different study design to address the same research question? If not state why, and if yes, what other study design could be used? Guidance: • Remember you need to choose four studies – do not write answers for all five studies. • For each of the four studies you have chosen, you need to answer all the questions above. • This means you have around 375-400 words per study. Each study is worth 25% of the overall coursework. Some studies may require more detail than others and thus take up relatively more words – you will need to judge what is appropriate. We are interested in how well you summarise information; you need to make judgements about what to include and what to leave out. • We have not given a suggested word count for each question. It is likely that your answers to questions (1) and (2) will be short compared to the other questions. However, there is likely to be some variability for the different studies e.g. some studies may call for more detail in questions (3) and (4) than other studies. • We expect to see evidence of wider reading and support for the points you raise. We suggest around 3-4 relevant references per study. Please list references after your answers for each study. Your reference list/s will not contribute to the word count (in-text citations are included). • You could cite methods used by other studies in the field, taken from original research articles or reviews. You can also cite textbooks. You could also find references for the measures e.g. questionnaires or protocols, used by the study. Don’t forget to access the Research Skills and Dissertation Centre for more lectures on study design. Please do not include lectures as references. • We do not expect you to comment on the statistical design of the study. Other than stating the main variables to show us that you understand what is being investigated, please avoid commenting on the statistical analysis or results. You also do not need to comment on sample size.