Provide examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design. Contrast the levels of control applied to each.
ANSWER
Sure, here are examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design, along with a contrast of the levels of control applied to each:
Experimental Research Design
In experimental research, the researcher manipulates an independent variable and observes the effect on a dependent variable. This type of research allows the researcher to establish a causal relationship between the two variables.
Examples:
A study to investigate the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. The researcher would assign participants to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group would receive the new drug, while the control group would receive a placebo. The researcher would then measure the blood pressure of both groups to see if there is a difference.
A study to examine the effectiveness of a new teaching method. The researcher would randomly assign students to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group would receive instruction using the new teaching method, while the control group would receive instruction using the traditional method. The researcher would then compare the test scores of both groups to see if there is a difference.
Levels of Control in Experimental Research:
The researcher has a high degree of control over the independent variable in experimental research. This allows the researcher to isolate the effects of the independent variable and make causal inferences.
Nonexperimental Research Design
In nonexperimental research, the researcher does not manipulate the independent variable. Instead, the researcher observes and measures the variables as they naturally occur. This type of research cannot establish a causal relationship between the variables, but it can still provide valuable insights into relationships between variables.
Examples:
A study to investigate the relationship between exercise and weight loss. The researcher would collect data on exercise levels and weight loss from a large group of participants. The researcher would then analyze the data to see if there is a correlation between the two variables.
A study to examine the association between social media usage and self-esteem. The researcher would survey a sample of participants about their social media usage and self-esteem levels. The researcher would then analyze the data to see if there is a relationship between the two variables.
Levels of Control in Nonexperimental Research:
The researcher has a low degree of control over the variables in nonexperimental research. This makes it difficult to establish causal relationships between the variables. However, nonexperimental research can still be useful for identifying potential relationships between variables that can be further investigated in experimental research.
Summary Table
Feature Experimental Research Nonexperimental Research
Manipulation of independent variable High control Low control
Causal inferences Can be made Cannot be made
Examples Drug study, teaching method study Exercise and weight loss study, social media and self-esteem study