Quasi-Experimental Designs Quiz

Study Notes

Experimental Designs and Cause-and-Effect Conclusions

Experimental designs are preferred for cause-and-effect conclusions because they allow researchers to establish causality between variables by manipulating the independent variable and measuring its effect on the dependent variable.
Experimental designs provide a high level of control over extraneous variables, which helps to minimize confounding variables and increase internal validity.

Definition of Experimental Design

An experimental design is a research methodology that involves manipulating one or more independent variables, measuring their effect on one or more dependent variables, and controlling for extraneous variables.

Limitations of Random Assignment

It is not practical or ethical to randomly assign participants in certain situations, such as:
- When the research involves a new drug or treatment that may have harmful effects on certain participants.
- When participants are individuals with a specific condition or characteristic that cannot be randomly assigned.
- When the research involves sensitive or invasive procedures that may cause discomfort or harm to participants.

Quasi-Experiments

The purpose of quasi-experiments is to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables in situations where experimental designs are not feasible or ethical.
Quasi-experiments are used when:
- Random assignment is not possible or practical.
- There is a need to study real-world events or situations that cannot be manipulated.
- Researchers want to establish cause-and-effect relationships in a more naturalistic setting.
Quasi-experiments are often used in fields such as education, epidemiology, and social sciences, where experimental designs may not be feasible or ethical.

Description

Test your knowledge of quasi-experimental designs with this quiz. Explore different types of designs and understand how they contribute to causal conclusions in research. Perfect for psychology students and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of experimental methodologies.