TOPIC 3
The research setting
| Objective 3: Identify the variable settings in which quantitative research is conducted: natural, partially controlled, and highly controlled. |
As with sampling, the more controlled the environment the less the chance that error or bias will influence the results. The setting for studies ranges from uncontrolled to highly controlled.
- A natural setting offers no control in a real life setting. This type environment is a common setting for qualitative studies, particularly field studies such as ethnographies. It is also frequently the setting for descriptive studies and some correlational studies.
- A partially controlled setting offers the researcher some ability to control or manipulate the environment. The hospital environment offers an example of this type of setting
- A highly controlled setting is an environment constructed for the purpose of conducting research, such as a laboratory, a clinical research center, and, here in the SON, the Biobehavioral Lab, which we also call the BBL.