What This Document Is
This document is a comprehensive preparation resource for Assessment 3 in HDFS 2900: Methods in Human Ecology Research at The Ohio State University. It outlines the scope of the exam and details the specific areas of focus from course lectures and materials. This resource is designed to help students effectively prioritize their studying and understand the key concepts that will be evaluated.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in HDFS 2900 who are looking to maximize their performance on the upcoming exam. It’s particularly helpful for students who want a clear roadmap of what to expect and a focused review of the most important concepts. Utilizing this guide before and during your exam preparation can help build confidence and ensure you’re concentrating on the material that matters most.
Topics Covered
* Establishing causal relationships in research
* Experimental design principles and criteria
* Differences between true experiments and quasi-experimental designs
* Potential challenges and limitations within experimental research
* Methods for ensuring treatment fidelity and addressing potential biases
* Threats to causal validity and how they manifest in different research designs
* Specific quasi-experimental designs, including non-equivalent control groups and before-and-after designs
* Understanding the importance of time order and non-spuriousness
What This Document Provides
* A clear breakdown of the exam format, including question types and point values.
* A focused list of key concepts related to research methodology and experimental design.
* An overview of the criteria used to evaluate the strength of causal claims in research studies.
* Identification of potential issues that can arise during the implementation of research, and how to mitigate them.
* A framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various research approaches.
