Question

Dr. Klemp has proposed to study the relationship between prenatal drug use by the mother and intelligence in the child at age 8 years. Why is she proposing to use a descriptive research method for her topic?

A) To establish causation
B) To explore relationships
C) To manipulate variables
D) To control extraneous variables

Answer 1

Dr. Klemp is using descriptive research to explore the relationship between prenatal drug use and child intelligence at age 8, as this non-experimental approach allows for the observation of natural relationships without manipulating variables.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dr. Klemp is proposing to use a descriptive research method for her study on the relationship between prenatal drug use by the mother and intelligence in the child at age 8 years to explore relationships (Option B). Descriptive research methods, such as observational studies, are utilized when manipulation of variables isn't ethical or possible. Unlike experimental research that requires control over extraneous variables and the manipulation of the independent variable to establish causation, descriptive research observes and records naturally occurring phenomena without manipulating any variables.

In the context of Dr. Klemp's study, it would be neither ethical nor practical to manipulate prenatal drug use to observe its effect on a child's intelligence. Therefore, the most appropriate method is to observe and describe the existing relationship between these variables without attempting to influence the outcome directly. This approach allows researchers to identify patterns and relationships that can later be tested through experimental methods if ethical and feasible.