Non-experimental research is a research design that does NOT involve the manipulation of variables. These studies were conducted by observing naturally occurring variables without the influence or control of researchers. Descriptive research involves observing, recording, and describing a population without any manipulation by researchers. For example, analyzing demographics in a specific area constitutes a form of descriptive research. This type of observation is conducted without altering or controlling any variables. Correlational research: explores relationships between two or more variables to determine if they are related, however not establish a cause or effect. Example: a researcher collecting data on students' daily social media usage and their GPA to determine if there is a negative, positive, or no correlation. Both variables are naturally occurring and require no manipulation to test. Quasi-Experimental Research: comparing groups when random assignment is not possible. Example: a researcher studies smoking habits at two different colleges. One has smoking health awareness classes, while the other does not. Although there is a comparison, students were not randomly assigned to these schools. Why Use Non-Experimental Research Instead of Experimental Research? Ethical Reasons: It would be unethical to manipulate variables like trauma exposure, mental illness, or socioeconomic status. Practical Constraints: Random assignment may not be possible in real-worl