Examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design

Sample Solution

   

Experimental research designs involve the manipulation of one or more variables to investigate their effects on another variable. The researcher has a high degree of control over the research setting and the participants.

• True experiments are the most rigorous type of experimental research design. They involve random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups. This ensures that the groups are as similar as possible at the start of the study, which helps to rule out confounding variables.

Full Answer Section

   

• Quasi-experiments are a type of experimental research design where random assignment of participants is not possible. This may be because the participants are already assigned to groups, such as students in different classes, or because the research is conducted in a natural setting, such as a school or workplace.

Nonexperimental research designs do not involve the manipulation of variables. The researcher observes the variables as they naturally occur. The researcher has a lower degree of control over the research setting and the participants.

• Descriptive research is a type of nonexperimental research design that simply describes the characteristics of a group of people or a phenomenon.
• Correlational research is a type of nonexperimental research design that investigates the relationship between two or more variables. The researcher does not manipulate any of the variables.
• Case study research is a type of nonexperimental research design that focuses on in-depth study of a single individual, group, or event.
• Survey research is a type of nonexperimental research design that involves collecting data from a large number of people.

The level of control in experimental research designs is higher than in nonexperimental research designs. This is because the researcher can manipulate the variables and control the research setting. This makes it easier to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between the variables. However, experimental research designs can be more difficult to conduct and may not be feasible in all situations. Nonexperimental research designs are less rigorous than experimental research designs, but they can be more practical and easier to conduct. They can also be used to study phenomena that are not easily manipulated, such as personality or attitudes. The best research design for a particular study will depend on the research question, the variables involved, and the resources available.