One descriptive research method I learned about is naturalistic observation. This means watching how people or animals behave in their natural environment without trying to change anything. For example, if I wanted to study how kids use praise during playtime, I could sit in a preschool classroom and write down every time one child praises another. I wouldn't talk to them or ask them to do anything differently, I'd just observe.

An experiment has a few key parts. First, there's an independent variable, this is what you change on purpose. Then, there's a dependent variable, which is what you measure. You also need to use random assignment, where participants are randomly placed into groups to help keep things fair. That way, you can be more confident that any change in the dependent variable happened because of what you changed in the independent variable, not something else.

A single subject design is a research method often used in behavior analysis. It focuses on one person at a time and tracks how their behavior changes with an intervention. For example, in an ABAB design, you start with a baseline (A), introduce the intervention (B), remove it (A again), and then reintroduce it (B). This helps show whether the change in behavior was really because of the intervention.

If I had to pick one method to study something that interests me, I'd choose a single subject design. I work with children with autism, and I'm curious about how visual schedules affect their transition times between activities. I'd like to find out whether using a picture based schedule helps reduce delays or problem behaviors when moving from one task to another. In my study, I would measure the time it takes the child to transition (dependent variable) before and after using the schedule (independent variable). I'd use an ABAB design to see if removing and reintroducing the schedule shows consistent changes.

I also realize that I might be biased. Since I already believe that visual schedules are helpful, I could unintentionally focus more on times when the child succeeds and ignore times when the schedule doesn't help. To minimize that bias, I would use clear definitions for what counts as a successful transition, ask a colleague to double-check my data (interobserver agreement), and make sure I write down everything, not just the "good" examples.

This week's reading has helped me understand how important it is to follow a structured method when doing research. Even when I have good intentions, bias can sneak in. Using the scientific method helps keep things fair and honest, which is especially important when we're trying to help others.

• Describe:
• A descriptive research method.
• The essential parts of an experiment.
• A single subject design.
• Explain how you could use the research method you selected to study an area of interest. Be sure to a) clearly state what you would like to find out from the study, and b) correctly describe how the method could be used, including any necessary variables or factors.
• Consider and discuss how your area of research interest might be based on your own biases and perspective. Indicate what you could do to minimize such biases in your intended study.
• Ask a follow up question