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This chapter introduces researchers in technical and professional communication to the basics of experimental research methods. It discusses research methods in terms of the questions one wishes to investigate. It also explains the difference between experimental studies (in which participants can be randomly assigned to groups) and quasi-experimental studies which are more common for studies in classrooms and workplaces.

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Research designs are either experimental or non-experimental. Experimental research is conducted mostly in laboratories in the context of basic research. The principle advantage of experimental designs is that it provides the opportunity to identify cause-and-effect relationships. Non-experimental research, e.g., case studies, surveys, correlation studies, is non-manipulative observational research usually conducted in natural settings. While laboratory-controlled experimental studies tend to be higher in internal validity, non-experimental studies tend to be higher in external validity.

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Experimental Method. METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY 1.Experimental Method 2.Observation Method 3.Clinical Method.

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Chapter 2 The Process of Experimentation

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Experimental Method In Psychology

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

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The experimental method involves the manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The key features are controlled methods and the random allocation of participants into controlled and experimental groups .

What is an Experiment?

An experiment is an investigation in which a hypothesis is scientifically tested. An independent variable (the cause) is manipulated in an experiment, and the dependent variable (the effect) is measured; any extraneous variables are controlled.

An advantage is that experiments should be objective. The researcher’s views and opinions should not affect a study’s results. This is good as it makes the data more valid  and less biased.

There are three types of experiments you need to know:

1. Lab Experiment

A laboratory experiment in psychology is a research method in which the experimenter manipulates one or more independent variables and measures the effects on the dependent variable under controlled conditions.

A laboratory experiment is conducted under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily a laboratory) where accurate measurements are possible.

The researcher uses a standardized procedure to determine where the experiment will take place, at what time, with which participants, and in what circumstances.

Participants are randomly allocated to each independent variable group.

Examples are Milgram’s experiment on obedience and  Loftus and Palmer’s car crash study .

• Strength : It is easier to replicate (i.e., copy) a laboratory experiment. This is because a standardized procedure is used.
• Strength : They allow for precise control of extraneous and independent variables. This allows a cause-and-effect relationship to be established.
• Limitation : The artificiality of the setting may produce unnatural behavior that does not reflect real life, i.e., low ecological validity. This means it would not be possible to generalize the findings to a real-life setting.
• Limitation : Demand characteristics or experimenter effects may bias the results and become confounding variables .

2. Field Experiment

A field experiment is a research method in psychology that takes place in a natural, real-world setting. It is similar to a laboratory experiment in that the experimenter manipulates one or more independent variables and measures the effects on the dependent variable.

However, in a field experiment, the participants are unaware they are being studied, and the experimenter has less control over the extraneous variables .

Field experiments are often used to study social phenomena, such as altruism, obedience, and persuasion. They are also used to test the effectiveness of interventions in real-world settings, such as educational programs and public health campaigns.

An example is Holfing’s hospital study on obedience .

• Strength : behavior in a field experiment is more likely to reflect real life because of its natural setting, i.e., higher ecological validity than a lab experiment.
• Strength : Demand characteristics are less likely to affect the results, as participants may not know they are being studied. This occurs when the study is covert.
• Limitation : There is less control over extraneous variables that might bias the results. This makes it difficult for another researcher to replicate the study in exactly the same way.

3. Natural Experiment

A natural experiment in psychology is a research method in which the experimenter observes the effects of a naturally occurring event or situation on the dependent variable without manipulating any variables.

Natural experiments are conducted in the day (i.e., real life) environment of the participants, but here, the experimenter has no control over the independent variable as it occurs naturally in real life.

Natural experiments are often used to study psychological phenomena that would be difficult or unethical to study in a laboratory setting, such as the effects of natural disasters, policy changes, or social movements.

For example, Hodges and Tizard’s attachment research (1989) compared the long-term development of children who have been adopted, fostered, or returned to their mothers with a control group of children who had spent all their lives in their biological families.

Here is a fictional example of a natural experiment in psychology:

Researchers might compare academic achievement rates among students born before and after a major policy change that increased funding for education.

In this case, the independent variable is the timing of the policy change, and the dependent variable is academic achievement. The researchers would not be able to manipulate the independent variable, but they could observe its effects on the dependent variable.

• Strength : behavior in a natural experiment is more likely to reflect real life because of its natural setting, i.e., very high ecological validity.
• Strength : Demand characteristics are less likely to affect the results, as participants may not know they are being studied.
• Strength : It can be used in situations in which it would be ethically unacceptable to manipulate the independent variable, e.g., researching stress .
• Limitation : They may be more expensive and time-consuming than lab experiments.
• Limitation : There is no control over extraneous variables that might bias the results. This makes it difficult for another researcher to replicate the study in exactly the same way.

Key Terminology

Ecological validity.

The degree to which an investigation represents real-life experiences.

Experimenter effects

These are the ways that the experimenter can accidentally influence the participant through their appearance or behavior.

Demand characteristics

The clues in an experiment lead the participants to think they know what the researcher is looking for (e.g., the experimenter’s body language).

Independent variable (IV)

The variable the experimenter manipulates (i.e., changes) is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable (DV)

Variable the experimenter measures. This is the outcome (i.e., the result) of a study.

Extraneous variables (EV)

All variables which are not independent variables but could affect the results (DV) of the experiment. EVs should be controlled where possible.

Confounding variables

Variable(s) that have affected the results (DV), apart from the IV. A confounding variable could be an extraneous variable that has not been controlled.

Random Allocation

Randomly allocating participants to independent variable conditions means that all participants should have an equal chance of participating in each condition.

The principle of random allocation is to avoid bias in how the experiment is carried out and limit the effects of participant variables.

Order effects

Changes in participants’ performance due to their repeating the same or similar test more than once. Examples of order effects include:

(i) practice effect: an improvement in performance on a task due to repetition, for example, because of familiarity with the task;

(ii) fatigue effect: a decrease in performance of a task due to repetition, for example, because of boredom or tiredness.

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Experimental Research Design — 6 mistakes you should never make!

Since school days’ students perform scientific experiments that provide results that define and prove the laws and theorems in science. These experiments are laid on a strong foundation of experimental research designs.

An experimental research design helps researchers execute their research objectives with more clarity and transparency.

In this article, we will not only discuss the key aspects of experimental research designs but also the issues to avoid and problems to resolve while designing your research study.

Table of Contents

What Is Experimental Research Design?

Experimental research design is a framework of protocols and procedures created to conduct experimental research with a scientific approach using two sets of variables. Herein, the first set of variables acts as a constant, used to measure the differences of the second set. The best example of experimental research methods is quantitative research .

Experimental research helps a researcher gather the necessary data for making better research decisions and determining the facts of a research study.

When Can a Researcher Conduct Experimental Research?

A researcher can conduct experimental research in the following situations —

• When time is an important factor in establishing a relationship between the cause and effect.
• When there is an invariable or never-changing behavior between the cause and effect.
• Finally, when the researcher wishes to understand the importance of the cause and effect.

Importance of Experimental Research Design

To publish significant results, choosing a quality research design forms the foundation to build the research study. Moreover, effective research design helps establish quality decision-making procedures, structures the research to lead to easier data analysis, and addresses the main research question. Therefore, it is essential to cater undivided attention and time to create an experimental research design before beginning the practical experiment.

By creating a research design, a researcher is also giving oneself time to organize the research, set up relevant boundaries for the study, and increase the reliability of the results. Through all these efforts, one could also avoid inconclusive results. If any part of the research design is flawed, it will reflect on the quality of the results derived.

Types of Experimental Research Designs

Based on the methods used to collect data in experimental studies, the experimental research designs are of three primary types:

1. Pre-experimental Research Design

A research study could conduct pre-experimental research design when a group or many groups are under observation after implementing factors of cause and effect of the research. The pre-experimental design will help researchers understand whether further investigation is necessary for the groups under observation.

Pre-experimental research is of three types —

• One-shot Case Study Research Design
• One-group Pretest-posttest Research Design
• Static-group Comparison

2. True Experimental Research Design

A true experimental research design relies on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a researcher’s hypothesis. It is one of the most accurate forms of research because it provides specific scientific evidence. Furthermore, out of all the types of experimental designs, only a true experimental design can establish a cause-effect relationship within a group. However, in a true experiment, a researcher must satisfy these three factors —

• There is a control group that is not subjected to changes and an experimental group that will experience the changed variables
• A variable that can be manipulated by the researcher
• Random distribution of the variables

This type of experimental research is commonly observed in the physical sciences.

3. Quasi-experimental Research Design

The word “Quasi” means similarity. A quasi-experimental design is similar to a true experimental design. However, the difference between the two is the assignment of the control group. In this research design, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not randomly assigned. This type of research design is used in field settings where random assignment is either irrelevant or not required.

The classification of the research subjects, conditions, or groups determines the type of research design to be used.

Advantages of Experimental Research

Experimental research allows you to test your idea in a controlled environment before taking the research to clinical trials. Moreover, it provides the best method to test your theory because of the following advantages:

• Researchers have firm control over variables to obtain results.
• The subject does not impact the effectiveness of experimental research. Anyone can implement it for research purposes.
• The results are specific.
• Post results analysis, research findings from the same dataset can be repurposed for similar research ideas.
• Researchers can identify the cause and effect of the hypothesis and further analyze this relationship to determine in-depth ideas.
• Experimental research makes an ideal starting point. The collected data could be used as a foundation to build new research ideas for further studies.

6 Mistakes to Avoid While Designing Your Research

There is no order to this list, and any one of these issues can seriously compromise the quality of your research. You could refer to the list as a checklist of what to avoid while designing your research.

1. Invalid Theoretical Framework

Usually, researchers miss out on checking if their hypothesis is logical to be tested. If your research design does not have basic assumptions or postulates, then it is fundamentally flawed and you need to rework on your research framework.

2. Inadequate Literature Study

Without a comprehensive research literature review , it is difficult to identify and fill the knowledge and information gaps. Furthermore, you need to clearly state how your research will contribute to the research field, either by adding value to the pertinent literature or challenging previous findings and assumptions.

3. Insufficient or Incorrect Statistical Analysis

Statistical results are one of the most trusted scientific evidence. The ultimate goal of a research experiment is to gain valid and sustainable evidence. Therefore, incorrect statistical analysis could affect the quality of any quantitative research.

4. Undefined Research Problem

This is one of the most basic aspects of research design. The research problem statement must be clear and to do that, you must set the framework for the development of research questions that address the core problems.

5. Research Limitations

Every study has some type of limitations . You should anticipate and incorporate those limitations into your conclusion, as well as the basic research design. Include a statement in your manuscript about any perceived limitations, and how you considered them while designing your experiment and drawing the conclusion.

6. Ethical Implications

The most important yet less talked about topic is the ethical issue. Your research design must include ways to minimize any risk for your participants and also address the research problem or question at hand. If you cannot manage the ethical norms along with your research study, your research objectives and validity could be questioned.

Experimental Research Design Example

In an experimental design, a researcher gathers plant samples and then randomly assigns half the samples to photosynthesize in sunlight and the other half to be kept in a dark box without sunlight, while controlling all the other variables (nutrients, water, soil, etc.)

By comparing their outcomes in biochemical tests, the researcher can confirm that the changes in the plants were due to the sunlight and not the other variables.

Experimental research is often the final form of a study conducted in the research process which is considered to provide conclusive and specific results. But it is not meant for every research. It involves a lot of resources, time, and money and is not easy to conduct, unless a foundation of research is built. Yet it is widely used in research institutes and commercial industries, for its most conclusive results in the scientific approach.

Have you worked on research designs? How was your experience creating an experimental design? What difficulties did you face? Do write to us or comment below and share your insights on experimental research designs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Randomization is important in an experimental research because it ensures unbiased results of the experiment. It also measures the cause-effect relationship on a particular group of interest.

Experimental research design lay the foundation of a research and structures the research to establish quality decision making process.

There are 3 types of experimental research designs. These are pre-experimental research design, true experimental research design, and quasi experimental research design.

The difference between an experimental and a quasi-experimental design are: 1. The assignment of the control group in quasi experimental research is non-random, unlike true experimental design, which is randomly assigned. 2. Experimental research group always has a control group; on the other hand, it may not be always present in quasi experimental research.

Experimental research establishes a cause-effect relationship by testing a theory or hypothesis using experimental groups or control variables. In contrast, descriptive research describes a study or a topic by defining the variables under it and answering the questions related to the same.

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Experimental Method

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Research is conducted to investigate the relationship between variables (Tuckman and Harper in Conducting educational research. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012). Among all research methods, the experimental design is considered to be the most scientific one as it can establish a “causal relation” between one or more independent variables and one or more dependent variables using control mechanisms upon empirical observation. For social research, however, true experimentation with rigorous control over the situation might seem to be very intriguing and challenging due to the conditions and participants. That is why the quasi-experimental design is often very popular with social researchers. Both of the designs have their types with advantages and disadvantages, and also with prominent characteristics. The researcher has to decide to resort to the appropriate design depending on the purpose and objective of the research. The sampling technique, instruments for measurement, statistical analyses, and finally the interpretation of data as per the design of the research too.

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Quantitative Research Methods

Apr 07, 2019

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Quantitative Research Methods. Richard Gramzow. Research Cycle. Theory Intuition Observation Consensus. Hypothesis (Conceptual). Method (Operational). Data Analysis (Statistical). Conclusion (s). Overview of Semester 1. Correlational Research Designs Descriptive Statistics

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• brown formula
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Quantitative Research Methods Richard Gramzow

Research Cycle • Theory • Intuition • Observation • Consensus Hypothesis (Conceptual) Method (Operational) Data Analysis (Statistical) Conclusion (s)

Overview of Semester 1 • Correlational Research Designs • Descriptive Statistics • Statistical Inference • T-tests, confidence intervals, power, and effect size • Bivariate Correlation • Bivariate Regression • Partial Correlation/Multiple Regression

Basic Concepts: Correlational Research • Research Question • Hypotheses • Independent and Dependent Variables • Variables at the Conceptual Level • Operationalized Variables • Scales of Measurement • Causal Inference • Reliability • Construct Validity • Practical: Data Exercise Break

Target Article • Are self-enhancing cognitions associated with healthy or unhealthy biological profiles? • Taylor, S. E., Lerner, J. S., Sherman, D. K., Sage, R. M., & McDowell, N. K. (2003). • Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85, 605-615.

Research Question • Broad issue or problem • People tend to report overly positive self-evaluations • Are positive illusions about the self healthy or unhealthy? • Background • Falsely positive views of one’s medical condition (and personal control) are correlated with physical health and longevity • HIV/AIDS • Specific Question • Are self-enhancing cognitions associated with physiological indicators of stress regulation in healthy adults?

Hypothesis • Statement about the presumed relationship among a set of variables • At the conceptual level • Self-enhancing cognitions reduce physiological responses to stress, resulting in: • Chronically better regulated stress systems • Lower acute responses to stress

Where Do HypothesesCome From? • Bill McGuire (Annual Review of Psychology, 1997) • 49 Heuristics for Generating Hypotheses • Ranging from… • Statistical modeling to… • Disrupting ordinary states of consciousness.

Where Do HypothesesCome From? • Inductive Techniques • specific observations lead to general hypotheses • Observe: Public, Self, Friends, Children, Pets • Case Studies • résumé embellishment • Paradoxical Incidents • Kitty Genovese • Practitioner’s rule of thumb • scarcity effect

Where Do HypothesesCome From? • Deductive Techniques • reasoning from the general to the specific • Reasoning by analogy • inoculation and persuasion • Functional analysis • sex differences in jealously • Hypothetico-deductive method • Positive Illusions framework

Hypotheses Independent Variable - The Cause. The variable believed to influence the dependent variable. • Self-Enhancing Cognitions • The tendency to report an overly positive self-view

Stress Response Causes Self- Enhancement IV DV Hypotheses • Dependent Variable - The Effect. The variable believed to be influenced by the independent variable. • Physiological Stress Response

Quick Quiz:Independent vs. Dependent Variables • A cognitive psychologist finds an association between alcohol consumption (0 drinks, 2 drinks, 5 drinks) and reaction time during a driving simulation task. • A clinical psychologist develops an experiment to test the type of therapy that is most effective in the treatment of test anxiety among male college students. • An organizational psychologist examines whether job performance is related to the number of breaks allowed during an 8-hour shift. • A social psychologist finds an association between marital satisfaction and overtime-hours worked.

How Does Self-Enhancement Affect Stress Response? • “Mediators” or “Mechanisms” • Psychological • Distress • Health • Resources Physiological Stress Response Self-Enhancement

Defining Variables • Conceptual Definition • Definition at the theoretical level • Similar to a dictionary definition • Only one conceptual definition

Defining Variables • Operational Definition • The procedures used to measure or manipulate the variable • Countless operational definitions are possible Stress Response Conceptual Level Direct Self-Report Cardiovascular Reactivity Neuro- endocrine Observation Operational Level

Measurement • Assignment of numbers to specific observations to reflect their variation • Scales of Measurement • Nominal/Categorical • Ordinal • Interval • Ratio

How was the independent variable operationalized? • Self-Enhancement • How I See Myself Questionnaire • 21 Positive Qualities (academic ability, self-respect) • 21 Negative Qualities (selfish, pretentious) • Rate Self relative to Peers • Scale: • 1 (much less than average) • 7 (much more than average) • Self-Enhancement Score • Negative items were reverse scored • 42 ratings were averaged • Possible range 1 to 7, with values above 4 indicating self-enhancement relative to peers

How was the dependent variable operationalized? • Chronic Indicators • Baseline Cortisol from saliva samples • Baseline Heart Rate and Blood Pressure • Acute Response to Stress • Changes in cortisol, HR, and BP • Counting backward task • While videotaped • Diagnostic of mental ability • Your score will be compared to others’ scores • Go faster!

How were the potential mediators operationalized? • Psychological distress, health, and resources • all standard self-report measures

Study Design • Was then Taylor et al. (2003) study a correlational study or a true experiment?

Correlational Study • No manipulation of independent variable (self-enhancement) • Thus, no random assignment to conditions of the IV • IV = “predictor” variable • DV = “criterion” variable • Advantages and Disadvantages?

Correlational Research • Advantages • Examine variables as they occur naturally • Examine relationships that might not be possible or ethical to manipulate • Gain converging evidence for the theory • in combo. with experimental research • Disadvantage • Cannot determine cause and effect • because no random assignment to levels of IV

Correlation Does Not Equal Causation

Aggression ? Stress Response ? Why a Correlation Does Not Imply “Cause and Effect” • Reverse Causality Problem Media Violence Self- Enhancement

Genetic Predisposition Why a Correlation Does Not Imply “Cause and Effect” • Third Variable Problem Self- Enhancement Stress Response

What is reliability? • Reliability = consistency of measurement • Observed Score = “True” Score + measurement error • The less measurement error, the greater the reliability • How minimize measurement error? • Use a Good Measure • Clear wording, limit response bias, etc. • Use a Good Procedure to Administer it • Train experimenters; Use standardized setting and instructions • Limit Mistakes in: • Participant responses • Data entry .00 (Scores are Random) to 1.00 (Perfect Reliability) Reliability Indexes Range from:

Reliability • Random errors are self-canceling • Multiple measures improve reliability • aggregation • Aggregation also allows for calculating a reliability coefficient

Reliability Coefficients • Split-Half, Test-Retest, and Equivalent Forms Reliability • Pearson correlation (r) • Internal Consistency • Spearman-Brown formula (R) • Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20) • Cronbach’s alpha (α) • Interrater Reliability • Percent Agreement (can be misleading) • Cohen’s kappa (κ) • Intraclass r

Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha • Estimate of average r among all the items • Equivalent to the average of all possible split-half reliabilities

σ21 = .962 σ22 = .797 σ23 = 1.126 Σ = 2.885

Spearman-Brown Formula • Reliability coefficients increase as the number of items increases Word of caution

Interrater Reliability • Kappa for Nominal Judgments Percent Agreement = (18 + 25 + 26)/100 = 69% Kappa “corrects” for chance agreement = .53

Closer to Bull’s eye = Validity Consistency of Attempts = Reliability A = Neither Reliable nor Valid B = Reliable but not Valid C = Reliable and Valid

Quick Quiz:Reliability and Validity • Which of the following is true: In order to be valid, a measure must also be reliable In order to be reliable, a measure must also be valid If you determine that a measure is reliable, that tells you that it is also valid

Other Types of Validity • Internal and External Validity • More about these in a couple of weeks

Practical Exercise • Dataset • 159 survey respondents • Fear of Negative Evaluation • 1 to 7 scale • Self-Enhancement • 10 enhancement items • 1 to 10 scale • Your Task • Test Reliability of Self-Enhancement Scale • Test for Correlation between Self-Enhancement and Fear of Negative Evaluation • Test for Gender Differences in Self-Enhancement and Fear of Negative Evaluation

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Higher Education News , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Research

Published: June 15, 2024

When embarking on a research project, selecting the right methodology can be the difference between success and failure. With various methods available, each suited to different types of research, it’s essential you make an informed choice. This blog post will provide tips on how to choose a research methodology that best fits your research goals .

We’ll start with definitions: Research is the systematic process of exploring, investigating, and discovering new information or validating existing knowledge. It involves defining questions, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

Meanwhile, a research methodology is a structured plan that outlines how your research is to be conducted. A complete methodology should detail the strategies, processes, and techniques you plan to use for your data collection and analysis.

Research Methods

The first step of a research methodology is to identify a focused research topic, which is the question you seek to answer. By setting clear boundaries on the scope of your research, you can concentrate on specific aspects of a problem without being overwhelmed by information. This will produce more accurate findings. 

Along with clarifying your research topic, your methodology should also address your research methods. Let’s look at the four main types of research: descriptive, correlational, experimental, and diagnostic.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is an approach designed to describe the characteristics of a population systematically and accurately. This method focuses on answering “what” questions by providing detailed observations about the subject. Descriptive research employs surveys, observational studies, and case studies to gather qualitative or quantitative data. 

A real-world example of descriptive research is a survey investigating consumer behavior toward a competitor’s product. By analyzing the survey results, the company can gather detailed insights into how consumers perceive a competitor’s product, which can inform their marketing strategies and product development.

Correlational Research

Correlational research examines the statistical relationship between two or more variables to determine whether a relationship exists. Correlational research is particularly useful when ethical or practical constraints prevent experimental manipulation. It is often employed in fields such as psychology, education, and health sciences to provide insights into complex real-world interactions, helping to develop theories and inform further experimental research.

An example of correlational research is the study of the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. Researchers observe and collect data on individuals’ smoking habits and the incidence of lung cancer to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables. This type of research helps identify patterns and relationships, indicating whether increased smoking is associated with higher rates of lung cancer.

Experimental Research

Experimental research is a scientific approach where researchers manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable. This method is designed to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Fields like psychology, medicine, and social sciences frequently employ experimental research to test hypotheses and theories under controlled conditions. 

A real-world example of experimental research is Pavlov’s Dog experiment. In this experiment, Ivan Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning by ringing a bell each time he fed his dogs. After repeating this process multiple times, the dogs began to salivate just by hearing the bell, even when no food was presented. This experiment helped to illustrate how certain stimuli can elicit specific responses through associative learning.

Diagnostic Research

Diagnostic research tries to accurately diagnose a problem by identifying its underlying causes. This type of research is crucial for understanding complex situations where a precise diagnosis is necessary for formulating effective solutions. It involves methods such as case studies and data analysis and often integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive view of the issue at hand. 

An example of diagnostic research is studying the causes of a specific illness outbreak. During an outbreak of a respiratory virus, researchers might conduct diagnostic research to determine the factors contributing to the spread of the virus. This could involve analyzing patient data, testing environmental samples, and evaluating potential sources of infection. The goal is to identify the root causes and contributing factors to develop effective containment and prevention strategies.

Using an established research method is imperative, no matter if you are researching for marketing , technology , healthcare , engineering, or social science. A methodology lends legitimacy to your research by ensuring your data is both consistent and credible. A well-defined methodology also enhances the reliability and validity of the research findings, which is crucial for drawing accurate and meaningful conclusions. 

Additionally, methodologies help researchers stay focused and on track, limiting the scope of the study to relevant questions and objectives. This not only improves the quality of the research but also ensures that the study can be replicated and verified by other researchers, further solidifying its scientific value.

How to Choose a Research Methodology

Choosing the best research methodology for your project involves several key steps to ensure that your approach aligns with your research goals and questions. Here’s a simplified guide to help you make the best choice.

Understand Your Goals

Clearly define the objectives of your research. What do you aim to discover, prove, or understand? Understanding your goals helps in selecting a methodology that aligns with your research purpose.

Consider the Nature of Your Data

Determine whether your research will involve numerical data, textual data, or both. Quantitative methods are best for numerical data, while qualitative methods are suitable for textual or thematic data.

Understand the Purpose of Each Methodology

Becoming familiar with the four types of research – descriptive, correlational, experimental, and diagnostic – will enable you to select the most appropriate method for your research. Many times, you will want to use a combination of methods to gather meaningful data. 

Evaluate Resources and Constraints

Consider the resources available to you, including time, budget, and access to data. Some methodologies may require more resources or longer timeframes to implement effectively.

Review Similar Studies

Look at previous research in your field to see which methodologies were successful. This can provide insights and help you choose a proven approach.

By following these steps, you can select a research methodology that best fits your project’s requirements and ensures robust, credible results.

Completing Your Research Project

Upon completing your research, the next critical step is to analyze and interpret the data you’ve collected. This involves summarizing the key findings, identifying patterns, and determining how these results address your initial research questions. By thoroughly examining the data, you can draw meaningful conclusions that contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. 

It’s essential that you present these findings clearly and concisely, using charts, graphs, and tables to enhance comprehension. Furthermore, discuss the implications of your results, any limitations encountered during the study, and how your findings align with or challenge existing theories.

Your research project should conclude with a strong statement that encapsulates the essence of your research and its broader impact. This final section should leave readers with a clear understanding of the value of your work and inspire continued exploration and discussion in the field.

Now that you know how to perform quality research, it’s time to get started! Applying the right research methodologies can make a significant difference in the accuracy and reliability of your findings. Remember, the key to successful research is not just in collecting data, but in analyzing it thoughtfully and systematically to draw meaningful conclusions. So, dive in, explore, and contribute to the ever-growing body of knowledge with confidence. Happy researching!

Related Articles

Research Methods in Psychology: Chapter VIII. Quasi-experimental research

• Chapter I. The Science of Psychology
• Chapter II. Overview of the Scientific Method
• Chapter III. Research Ethics
• Chapter IV. Psychological Measurement
• Chapter V. Experimental research
• Chapter VI. Non-experimental research
• Chapter VII. Survey research

Chapter VIII. Quasi-experimental research

• Chapter IX. Factorial Design
• Chapter X. Single-Subject Research
• Chapter XI. Presenting your Research
• Chapter XII. Descriptive Statistics
• Chapter XIII. Inferential Statistics

Lecture Slides

• Ch. 8 Quasi-Experimental PowerPoint Lecture Based on Ch. 8 of the textbook

Prep Sheets

• Prep Sheet. Quasi-Experimental Research Prep Sheet Based on Ch. 8 of the textbook
• Quasi-experimental

This lab helps students review their knowledge of quasi-experimental studies and design a quasi-experiment of their own. 

• Quasi-Experimental
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• Next: Chapter IX. Factorial Design >>
• Last Updated: Sep 8, 2022 5:18 PM
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