Homework Responses Wk 7

In this week’s lesson and readings, we learned that in quantitative research design method there are two available approaches, experimental and non-experimental. Being that my research is based on a “soft science” or not a natural science, I will be using the non-experimental approach. While the experimental approach if the first on to come to mind when thinking about research and data gathering, this is not the only method. Based on my research so far, I have come across multiple recommendations to use the non-experimental approach. 

 

            In my opinion, other than the design itself, the biggest difference between experimental and non-experimental approach is the type of conclusion that can be drown from them. Using the non-experimental approach, the conclusion tends to be descriptive or correlational (Weisburd, 2010). The reason behinds this is the fact that variables cannot be manipulated in this type of approach. A descriptive conclusion means that it describes a situation. If the conclusion is correlational it means that describes the relationship between variables. In this type of approach, variables cannot be controlled nor manipulated. In my research proposal, I will try and establish a relationship between the available resources for mental health patients and criminal recidivism. That being said, I understand that any of the two approaches could have work in my topic. 

 

            While an experimental research relies in the cause and effect relationship, a non-experimental approach relies on the interpretation of observations to reach a conclusion (Andrei, 2013). The methodology of both approaches is different. This is why one method is preferred over another. However, to make that determination all circumstances are to be evaluated. I took in consideration the end goal of the study. Based on wanting to establish the relationship between mental health and criminal recidivism, I choose the non-experimental approach. However, if I wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health treatments and alternative justice options, such as mental health courts, an experimental approach would have been ideal.

 

            In my specific scenario, both methods could have been applied. They both have some pros and cons, but in hindsight, choosing one over the other has a lot to do with the overall goal of the study. I do not believe one method is better than another, they are just different. The non-experimental approach allows to draw a conclusion based on observations while the experimental approach allows for the manipulation of control groups and variables.

 

            -Dan

 

Reference

 

Andrei, A. (2013). Investigation of causality based on complex use of statistical methods (case study of social research). Quality & Quantity, 47(6), 3043–3050. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-012-9702-7

 

Weisburd, D. (2010). Justifying the use of non-experimental methods and disqualifying the use of randomized controlled trials: challenging folklore in evaluation research in crime and justice. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 6(2), 209–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-010-9096-2