Quasi-Experiments Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates quasi-experiments from true experiments?

  • Quasi-experiments typically use a comparison group instead of a control group. (correct)
  • Quasi-experiments use randomization for group assignment.
  • Quasi-experiments regularly ensure high external validity.
  • Quasi-experiments always include a control group.
  • In the example given, why is the validity of the weight gain conclusions potentially questionable?

  • No objective criteria were used to measure weight gain.
  • The experimental group is too small to draw conclusions.
  • The study lacked a theoretical framework.
  • External factors might have influenced the infants' weight gain. (correct)
  • What is a possible concern regarding selection bias in quasi-experiments?

  • Participants are assigned randomly to treatment conditions.
  • All groups are identical in characteristics and demographics.
  • The comparison group may not be representative of the general population. (correct)
  • The study uses objective measures for outcomes.
  • Which of the following factors could affect the outcomes in a quasi-experiment?

    <p>Natural growth or development of the subjects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a comparison group in a quasi-experiment?

    <p>To serve as a baseline for measuring effects of the experimental group. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the Non-equivalent Control Group design?

    <p>Comparison groups are similar but not randomly selected. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is crucial for the effectiveness of a cohort design?

    <p>The groups need to have similar characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a Time Series Design primarily focus on?

    <p>Changes in data points over specific intervals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Non-equivalent Control Group design example, how is data evaluated?

    <p>By gathering data before and after treatment implementation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data patterns do cohort studies generally aim to identify?

    <p>Trends and sequences in data over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Quasi-experiment

    A research design lacking one or more key components of a true experiment, such as randomization or a control group. It may use a comparison group instead.

    Comparison group in quasi-experiments

    A group used in quasi-experiments as a substitute for a control group. Used to compare performance against the experimental group.

    Control group

    A group in true experiments that does not receive the treatment or intervention. Used as a baseline to compare the experimental group's results.

    External factors in quasi-studies

    Uncontrolled variables that could influence the results of a quasi-experiment, making it harder to determine if the treatment caused the observed effect.

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    Selection bias (quasi-experiments)

    A bias that arises when the participants in the experimental and comparison groups are systematically different, influencing the results in a quasi-experiment.

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    Non-equivalent Control Group Design

    A quasi-experimental design that compares two groups, one receiving the treatment and one not, without random assignment. Groups are chosen to be similar in key characteristics.

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    Cohort Design

    A quasi-experimental design that compares two groups (cohort) formed based on shared characteristics, one receiving the treatment and the other not. It aims to determine if patterns or trends differ between the groups over time.

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    What is the main difference between a true experiment and a quasi-experiment?

    A true experiment uses randomization to assign participants to the treatment and control groups, whereas a quasi-experiment does not. This difference is a key aspect of establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

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    Time Series Design

    A quasi-experimental design that involves measuring the dependent variable repeatedly over time, before and after the treatment is introduced.

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    Why is a quasi-experiment often used when a true experiment is not feasible?

    Quasi-experiments are often used when random assignment is not possible or ethical, for example, studying the impact of a new law on crime rates. They allow researchers to study real-world situations and phenomena that cannot be manipulated in a laboratory setting.

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    Study Notes

    Quasi-Experiments

    • Quasi-experiments lack one or more of the four key properties of true experiments, such as randomization or a control group.
    • The missing component is often a control group, which is replaced by a comparison group.
    • The validity of cause-and-effect inferences can be questioned in quasi-experiments because they rely more on human judgment than objective criteria.
    • The effectiveness of a treatment is evaluated by comparing the experimental group to a comparison group.

    Example of a Quasi-Experiment

    • A study investigated the impact of a drug on low-birth-weight infants whose mothers were heroin addicts.
    • Only an experimental group (infants of heroin-addicted mothers) was used.
    • A comparison group (infants of non-heroin-addicted mothers) was not part of the study but served as a comparison point.
    • Questions to assess the validity:
      • Were there extraneous factors that influenced the results (such as other factors affecting weight gain)?
      • Did the selection of participants influence the outcome?
      • Were there external influences that affected the outcome (such as maturation)?

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    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamentals of quasi-experiments, focusing on their key properties and differences from true experiments. It examines the implications of lacking a control group and how comparisons are made between experimental groups and comparison groups in research studies. Test your understanding of the validity and effectiveness of these experimental designs.

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