A researcher studies the effect of three one-hour counseling sessions on eliminating bullying behaviors in teenagers

Question

For the dependent variable, the researcher selects the outcome of being reported to the principal's office in the two weeks following the sessions. The results of the research are dismissed by reviewers as meaningless, severely limiting generalization. What is the problem here?
a. Theoretical limitations
b. Not enough independent variables
c. Methodological limitations
d. Insufficient sample size

Answer 1

ANS: A
Limitations are restrictions or problems in a study that may decrease the generalizability of the findings. Study limitations often include a combination of theoretical and methodological weaknesses. Theoretical weaknesses in a study might include poorly developed study framework and unclear conceptual definitions of variables. The limited conceptual definitions of the variables might decrease the operationalization or measurement of the study variables. This is the case here, since a two-week measuring period is sufficient only for purposes of suppressing a behavior, not changing it. Methodological limitations result from factors such as nonrepresentative samples, weak designs, single setting, limited control over treatment (intervention), instruments with limited reliability and validity, limited control over data collection, and improper use of statistical analyses. These study limitations can limit the credibility of the findings and conclusions and restrict the population to which the findings can be generalized.