Quasi-Experimental Designs Quiz

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.