Experimental Research

Overview
 Experimental research is a scientific method of conducting research using two
variables: independent and dependent.
 Experimental research is widely implemented in education, psychology,
social sciences and physical sciences. Experimental research is based on
observation, calculation, comparison and logic.
 Experimental research is a form of comparative analysis in which you study
two or more variables and observe a group under a certain condition or
groups experiencing different conditions.
 By assessing the results of this type of study, you can determine correlations
between the variables applied and their effects on each group.
 Experimental research uses the scientific method to find preferable ways of
accomplishing a task for providing a service.
Characteristics of Experimental Research Design
 Independent variables can be manipulated to apply to dependent variables and the
effect is measured.
 This measurement usually happens over a significant period of time to establish
conditions and conclusions about the relationship between these two variables.
1. Dependent Variables Are Manipulated Or Treated While Independent Variables
Are Exerted On Dependent Variables As An Experimental Treatment.
2. Researchers Deliberately Operate Independent Variables On The Subject Of The
Experiment. This Is Known As Manipulation.
3. Once A Variable Is Manipulated, Researchers Observe The Effect An Independent
Variable Has On A Dependent Variable. This Is Key For Interpreting Results.
4. A Researcher May Want Multiple Comparisons Between Different Groups With
Equivalent Subjects. They May Replicate The Process By Conducting Sub-
Experiments.
Types of experimental research design

The classic experimental design definition is, “The methods used to collect data in

experimental studies.”

There are three primary types of experimental design:

 Pre-experimental research design

 True experimental research design

 Quasi-experimental research design

The way you classify research subjects, based on conditions or groups, determines

the type of research design you should use.

1. Pre-experimental research design: A group or various groups are kept under

observation after implementing factors of cause and effect. You’ll conduct this

research to understand whether further investigation is necessary for these

particular groups.

You can break down pre-experimental research further in three types:

 One-shot Case Study Research Design

 One-group Pretest-posttest Research Design

 Static-group Comparison
2. True experimental research design: True experimental research relies on

statistical analysis to prove or disprove a hypothesis, making it the most accurate

form of research. Of the types of experimental design, only true design can

establish a cause-effect relationship within a group. In a true experiment, three

factors need to be satisfied:

 There is a Control Group, which won’t be subject to changes, and an

Experimental Group, which will experience the changed variables.

 A variable which can be manipulated by the researcher

 Random distribution

This experimental research method commonly occurs in the physical sciences.

3. Quasi-experimental research design:

 The word “Quasi” indicates similarity. A quasi-experimental design is similar

to experimental, but it is not the same.

 The difference between the two is the assignment of a control group.

 In this research, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of

a group are not randomly assigned.

 Quasi-research is used in field settings where random assignment is either

irrelevant or not required.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Experimental Research

Advantages

 It Allows Researchers To Have A Stronghold Over Variables And Collect

Desired Results.
 Results Are Usually Specific.
 The Effectiveness Of The Research Isn’t Affected By The Subject.
 Findings From The Results Usually Apply To Similar Situations And Ideas.
 Cause And Effect Of A Hypothesis Can Be Identified, Which Can Be Further
Analyzed For In-Depth Ideas.
 It’s The Ideal Starting Point to collect data and lay a foundation for
conducting further research and building more ideas.
 It Can Be Used To Improve The Standard Of Academics Across Institutions.
Disadvantages

Even though it’s a scientific method, it has a few drawbacks. Here are a few
disadvantages of this research method:

 Human Error Is A Concern Because The Method Depends On Controlling

Variables. Improper Implementation Nullifies The Validity Of The Research
And Conclusion.
 Eliminating Extraneous Variables (Real-Life Scenarios) Produces Inaccurate
Conclusions.
 The Process Is Time-Consuming And Expensive
 In Medical Research, It Can Have Ethical Implications By Affecting Patients’
Well-Being.
 Results Are Not Descriptive And Subjects Can Contribute To Response Bias.
 Experimental research design is a sophisticated method that investigates
relationships or occurrences among people or phenomena under a controlled
environment and identifies the conditions responsible for occurrences.
 It is considered as standard method that uses observations, simulations and surveys
to collect data. One of its unique features is the ability to control extraneous
variables and their effects. It’s a suitable method for those looking to examine the
relationship between cause and effect in a field setting or in a laboratory.

When & How to undertake experimental research

You can conduct experimental research in the following situations:

 Time is a vital factor in establishing a relationship between cause and effect.

 Invariable behavior between cause and effect.

 You wish to understand the importance of the cause and effect.

Methods of experimental research
Scientists attempt to predict and perhaps control future events based on present
and past knowledge. The ability to make accurate predictions hinges on the seven
steps of the Scientific Method.

Step1. Make observations. These observations should be objective, not subjective.

In other words, the observations should be capable of verification by other
scientists.
Step2. Form a hypothesis. Scientists use their knowledge of past events to
develop a general principle or explanation to help predict future events. The
general principle is called a hypothesis.
A hypothesis should have the following characteristics:
 It should be a general principle that holds across space and time
 It should be a tentative idea
 It should agree with available observations
 It should be kept as simple as possible.
 It should be testable and potentially falsifiable. In other words, there should
be a way to show the hypothesis is false; a way to disprove the hypothesis.

Step3. Make a prediction. From step 2, we have made a hypothesis that is tentative
and may or may not be true. How can we decide if our hypothesis is true? Our
hypothesis should be broad; it should apply uniformly through time and through
space. Scientists cannot usually check every possible situation where a hypothesis
might apply.
Step4. Perform an experiment. We rely again on our sensory perception to collect
information. We design an experiment based on our prediction.
Step5. Analyze the results of the experiment.
Step6. Draw a conclusion
Step7. Report your results. Scientists publish their findings in scientific journals
and books etc.

In short we can define the steps in conducting experimental research as follows:

Step 1: Define your variables. You should begin with a specific research question.
Step 2: Write your hypothesis. ...
Step 3: Design your experimental treatments. ...
Step 4: Assign your subjects to treatment groups. ...
Step 5: Measure your dependent variable.
Performance evaluation of experimental research

The five steps are as follows:

1. Decide on the outcome of your experiment
Very simply put; you need to determine what the result of your experiment was.
Did it succeed? Or did it fail?
2. Gather and compile all your data – both quantitative and qualitative
Before launching head-first into creating a story as to why the experiment results
turned out the way they did, we like to take a step back once our experiments are
complete and gather all the data we need to fully understand the results.
3. Deriving your “story”
This is where things start to fall into place. This step is almost like piecing together
a puzzle. Essentially in the third step, you use your data to understand the
behaviour of your customers.
4. Support your results with common experiment patterns
An experiment can often fall into one of the established experiment patterns. Using
these patterns helps support your test result analysis, providing confidence that you
have correctly and accurately analyzed the experimental data set.

5. Challenge your interpretation

Whilst the easiest route is to find ways to interpret your data so it works with your
original hypothesis, you should try your best to challenge your analysis and
theories to ensure you haven’t misinterpreted the results.
The end

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