Essay topic: Compare and contrast the purpose, mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of field, experimental, and survey research.
Length: About 2,500 words (8–10 pages)
Weight: 20% of your final grade
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?
This assignment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the similarities and differences between these methods. This task requires drawing on information from Units 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Refer to readings from these units. You may also use additional references that are not part of the course readings, although this is not required.
Format for Your Essay
The essay must be double-spaced, in 12-point font, with standard 1.25-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right.
The essay must have a cover page with the title of the assignment, your name, and your student ID.
Use APA style for all in-text citations and references. Visit the Write Site for detailed information about APA style.
Submit your work using the assignment drop-box link below.
Students who do not follow these guidelines will be penalized.
Rubric for Essay Assignment
Students will be awarded full marks if they address all the requirements in each section of the essay.
Introduction (4 points)
Provide a clear statement about the purpose of the essay.
Provide an overview of the essay.
Body (88 points)
This is not in sequential order but you must make sure that you address all of the following:
Main purposes of the three methods (12 points)
Appropriate use of methods (6 points)
The mechanics (sampling and methods) (36 points)
Strengths and weaknesses of each method (24 points)
Emphasis on similarities and differences between these methods (10 points)
Conclusion (2 points)
Summary—clearly state what you have addressed in the essay
Format (6 points)
In-text citation and references
Structure and organization
Total: 100 points