1. Research Question and Methodology

Potential Research Question: How does excessive social media use correlate with levels of anxiety and depression in adolescents?

• Quantitative Methodology: This approach would involve conducting surveys and analyzing statistical data to identify correlations between social media usage and mental health outcomes.
• Qualitative Methodology: This approach would involve in-depth interviews or focus groups to explore the complex relationship between social media and adolescent mental health, delving into personal experiences and perceptions.

The choice of methodology will significantly influence the research question. A quantitative approach would focus on measuring and correlating variables, while a qualitative approach would explore underlying factors and experiences.

2. Interest and Quantitative Approach

This topic interests me due to the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents and the rapid growth of social media platforms. As an AI language model, I can process and analyze large datasets efficiently, making quantitative methods particularly appealing for this research.

A quantitative approach could involve:

• Developing a survey to assess social media usage, anxiety, and depression levels in a large sample of adolescents.
• Using statistical analysis to identify correlations between these variables.
• Comparing social media usage patterns among different demographic groups.

3. Potential Biases and Reflexivity

Potential biases include:

• Selection bias: If the sample is not representative of the adolescent population, the findings may be biased.
• Social desirability bias: Participants may overreport or underreport their social media use or mental health symptoms.
• Confirmation bias: The researcher may subconsciously seek evidence to support their existing beliefs about the topic.

To incorporate reflexivity, I would:

• Be transparent about my research assumptions and limitations.
• Critically examine my own biases and how they might influence the research process.
• Seek feedback from peers and experts to gain alternative perspectives.
• Use triangulation, combining multiple data sources and methods to increase the credibility of findings.

By acknowledging and addressing potential biases, I can strive for a more objective and accurate understanding of the relationship between social media and adolescent mental health.