Response 3

250 word response 2 references

Aron

This week, we were asked to discuss the differences between Non-experimental and quasi-experimental approaches, and which one we are considering for our research proposals and why. These two methods have very different applications and yield different outcomes in reference to the data that they collect. Although very different, the application of both of these can greatly assist the researcher with gathering adequate data to reach their conclusion. To identify the best approach for our proposals, we need to understand the differences between the two. 

            A non-experimental approach to a research proposal is more observative rather than scientific. It still collects data that needs to be interpreted, but this method is more of a “birds-eye” approach to visualizing a theory. This is an approach that does not have any impact to the study participants. An example of non-experimental research could be a survey. A survey does not have any interventions placed on participants of the study, and thus makes it a non-experimental method.  In non-experimental methods, the goal is to get a good picture of what is going on in the topic of the research, though not necessarily a great method to use if the researcher plans on implementing controls or interventions to see the differences that those controls make compared to a constant variable.

            Quasi-experimental designs should not be confused with experimental designs. The major difference between a quasi-experimental design and a true experimental design, is that quasi-experimental designs lack the ability of random assignment. An example of situation where a quasi-experimental method would be best, could be the impact of psychological intervention on service members that have traumatic experiences while deployed. This is quasi-experimental because the traumatic experience is innate to the individual and cannot be assigned randomly to a pool of participants.  

            For my proposal, which is regarding the proactive policing and community involvement of the Virginia Beach Police Department and how it affects crimes, I will use the non-experimental approach. This study proposal is intended to gather foundational data at the current state of the community. This research will give the local law enforcement agency the data it needs to better meet the needs of its community. To do this, I would suggest a survey, which is a non-experimental approach. The survey would not have any intervention on the populous that is being studied, and no other controls will be implemented to sway the results of the survey. Because I will not be utilizing any interventions or controls, and my participants will be randomly selected, the study method is going to be non-experimental.