Which of the following types of research designs aims primarily to observe and record behavior without manipulating variables?

• A. Correlational research design
• B. Descriptive research design
• C. Quasi-experimental research design
• D. Experimental research design

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the main goal of each research design: Experimental designs manipulate variables to determine cause and effect, quasi-experimental designs involve some manipulation but lack full random assignment, correlational designs examine relationships between variables without manipulation, and descriptive designs focus on observing and recording behavior as it naturally occurs.
2. Identify the key phrase in the question: 'observe and record behavior without manipulating variables.' This indicates that the research design should not involve any intervention or control over variables.
3. Recall that descriptive research designs are specifically intended to provide a detailed, accurate picture of behaviors, thoughts, or conditions as they exist naturally, without any experimental manipulation.
4. Contrast this with correlational research, which looks for relationships between variables but does not primarily focus on detailed observation or description of behavior itself.
5. Conclude that the research design best fitting the description of observing and recording behavior without manipulation is the descriptive research design.