Which of the following is an example of descriptive research in psychology?

• A. Manipulating variables to determine their effect on memory performance
• B. Using random assignment to control for confounding variables in an experiment
• C. Observing and recording the behavior of children on a playground without intervening
• D. Assigning participants to different groups to test the effects of a new drug

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of descriptive research in psychology. Descriptive research aims to observe and describe behavior without manipulating any variables or establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Step 2: Review each option to identify whether it involves manipulation or control of variables, which would indicate experimental research rather than descriptive research.
3. Step 3: Recognize that 'Manipulating variables to determine their effect on memory performance' involves experimental manipulation, so it is not descriptive research.
4. Step 4: Note that 'Using random assignment to control for confounding variables in an experiment' and 'Assigning participants to different groups to test the effects of a new drug' both describe experimental methods, not descriptive research.
5. Step 5: Identify that 'Observing and recording the behavior of children on a playground without intervening' fits the definition of descriptive research because it involves naturalistic observation without manipulation.