Assignment 2: Development of a Research Scenario
Ex Post Facto Design
Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would necessitate the use of an Ex Post Facto Design. The research will be considered non-experimental.
Group | Treatment | Time delay | Posttest | Assignment | Group | |
1 | X | O1 | MA | 1 | ||
2 | ||||||
Time ► |
- Identify the research scenario including the relevant independent variable (which would have already occurred) and dependent variable.
- Develop the appropriate primary research question to be associated with this design.
- Discuss how the statistical procedures control technique will be used as a means to assign participants to each group. Discuss the rationale for this technique.
- Ex post facto is unique in that it is non-experimental research but aspects of internal validity still apply. Discuss the major threats to validity associated with this design and type of research (non-experimental).
- Enter the relevant variables in the chart below.
- Briefly discuss any limitations associated with this research scenario and the specific design.
Group | Treatment | Assignment | Posttest |
1 (n = ) | |||
2 (n = ) | – | ||
Time ► |
Element | Met | Partially Met | Not Met |
Relevant IVs and DVs
(4 points) |
The IVs and DVs are clearly described, appropriate, and justified with a citation. | The IVs and DVs are described, appropriate, but not justified with a citation. | The IVs and DVs are not clearly described, or seem inappropriate, or are not justified with a citation. |
Research Question
(4 points) |
The research question is clearly described, appropriate, and justified with a citation. | The research question is described and appropriate, but not justified with a citation. | The research question is not clearly described, or not justified with an appropriate citation. |
Sampling Strategy (2 points) |
The sampling strategies are appropriate. | The sampling strategies are somewhat appropriate. | The sampling strategies are inappropriate. |
Control and Validity (3 points) | Control and Validity is properly outlined and is included, detailed, and appropriate. | Control and Validity is not complete or properly outlined. | Control and Validity is not included, or not appropriate. |
APA Style
(2 points) |
The paper is written in correct APA style. | There are minor APA style errors. | There are numerous APA style errors. |

Assignment 2