Correlational, Causal-Comparative, and Experimental research methods are all common

with respect to finding a relationship between variables. All three articles have some similarities
with respect to the structure and organization of content. The correlational research article,
causal-comparative research article and experimental research article introduces the problem or
issue at hand before discussing the purpose of the study. In all three articles the topic takes
president after the abstract. The common factors in terms of design of study for all three research
studies included selecting a problem, defining a research question or hypothesis, selecting
participants, selecting measurement methods and analyzing data. Even though the review of
literature is not included in a specific heading or subtopic as a part of each study, each article
includes some form of review of literature. All three articles include research limitations as part
of their conclusions. All three research studies used some form of statistical testing. Hawes and
Plouride (2005) used the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation to find out how much of a
relationship existed between the independent and dependent variables. Wolgemuth, Cobb,
Winokur, Leech and Ellerby (2006), authors of the Causal-Comparative research article, used
ANACOVAs or analysis of covariances to analyze their data. They also chose to analyze data
using MANCOVAs or multivariate analysis of variance. In their experimental research design
Xin, Jitendra, and Deatline-Buchman (2005) used ANOVAs or Analysis of Variance. The
experimental research article and the causal-comparative research article both discuss a cause
and effect relationship. In their experimental research design Xin et al. (2005) look at the effects
of two forms of mathematical instruction on middle school students with learning disabilities or
learning problems. Wolgemuth et al. (2006) look at the short term effects of full-day and halfday kindergarten classes on student achievement. All three research articles used some form of
convenience method based selection of their participants.
In their causal-comparative research article, Hawes and Plouride (2005) utilize a research
question and null hypothesis as a part of their design of study. The correlational study was the
only one that included a null hypothesis. This was the only research article that used surveys to
collect data. The purpose of study, research problem and questions, review of literature, method,
data collection, data analysis and conclusion were all clearly stated and organized with more
clarity then the other two articles. Participant selection was also different between the three
research methods used. Recruitment of participants was not necessary for the causal-comparative
research study because the study was retrospective and archived data from 1995-2001 was used.
The Experimental research study did not have a specifically defined or clearly stated research
question or hypothesis; however there was a brief paragraph that outlined the purpose of study or
investigation. Unlike the other two articles in their experimental research article, Xin et al.
(2005) included diagrams of mathematical problems to assist in comparing schema based
instruction versus general based instruction.
The correlational research study only looked at the relationship between parental
involvement and reading comprehension of 6th graders. Correlational research methods look at
the level of relationship between two variables not if one variables effects the likelihood of
another variable. The correlational coefficient score between the independent variable and the
dependent variable r = 0.129 and that shows a slight positive correlation between parental
involvement and 6th grade reading comprehension. Causal-Comparative research looks at a cause
of reason behind an existing difference. Differences between variables already exist. In the
Causal-Comparative research study the authors look at existing data on full-day kindergarten

students and half-day kindergarten students. The authors wanted to see if there is a difference in
academic achievement between those students that attend full day kindergarten classes and those
that attend half day kindergarten classes once they move on to elementary school. The
Experimental research method also looks at a cause and effect relationship; however this is the
only research method where a researcher can manipulate variables. In the Experimental research
article the authors manipulate the independent variable by creating a schema based instruction
condition and a general based instruction condition. Students in both groups had access to the
same type of mathematical problems; however the GSI group did not receive the same type of
instruction as the SBI group. The SBI group was the experimental group while the GSI was the
control group.