Lesson 12 Assignment

(Worth 5 points)

Below are a hypothetical research question, and an outline of the researchers proposed methods. I want you to choose the observational research design that you think is most appropriate, and then describe why you would choose this method.

A researcher is interested in peoples behavior when they come to a car dealership.

Specifically, the researcher wants to know how long people spend looking at cars in the lot before a salesperson approaches them, and is there a difference in the amount of time depending on the behavior of the potential buyer.

The researcher develops a systematic coding scheme to record the appearance of the buyers.

It allows the researcher to make judgments about the way they are dressed (dressed up or sloppy), and the way that they look at the vehicles (wandering around or focusing on one or two vehicles only).

1. Which of the following is the most appropriate approach for this study (there isnt one right answer).A)

Unacknowledged Participant

B)

Acknowledged Participant

C)

Unacknowledged Observer

D)

Acknowledged Observer

2. Now provide a brief justification for your choice (three sentences at most). Your response should address the advantages of this method for this situation.