Which study illustrates a nonexperimental study?
A) A study comparing self-esteem scores for children with a learning disability versus scores for children without a learning disability
B) A study comparing depression scores for one group that is assigned to receive a therapy versus another group that is assigned not to receive a therapy
C) A study comparing performance in a room where the walls have been painted yellow versus performance in a room painted blue
D) A study comparing cognitive functioning scores for one group of Alzheimer's patients who are assigned to receive memory therapy versus another group that is assigned not to receive therapy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nonexperimental study is one in which the researcher does not manipulate any variables but instead observes and measures them as they naturally occur. In option A, the researcher is simply comparing self-esteem scores of two pre-existing groups based on a characteristic they already possess (learning disability or not). This is a nonexperimental study because the researcher did not manipulate any variables. Option B is an experimental study because the researcher is manipulating the therapy variable. Option C is a quasi-experimental study because the researcher is manipulating the color of the walls, but is not randomly assigning participants to different colors. Option D is an experimental study because the researcher is manipulating the therapy variable.

Which Study Illustrates a Nonexperimental Study