Essay Assignment

Essay topic: Compare and contrast the purpose, mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of field, experimental, and survey research.

Length: About 2500 words (8–10 pages)

Write an essay about the topic specified above. Your essay must address the following questions:

• What are the main purposes of field, experimental, and survey research?
• What are the mechanics of each method? This should include a brief description of sampling techniques and the data collection process.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods?
• When is it appropriate to use each method?
• What are the similarities and differences between the methods?