Key features of an experimental design.
- Correlational research can only show that there is an association between two variables, but it cannot tell us whether one variable causes the other.
- Experimental research is used to draw conclusions about causality. In an experiment, the researcher manipulates one variable (the independent variable) and then measures the effect of that manipulation on another variable (the dependent variable).
- To control for other factors that could affect the dependent variable, participants are randomly assigned to different groups.
- One group typically receives the treatment (the experimental condition), while the other group does not (the control condition).
- After the experiment is completed, the data from the two groups are compared to see if there is a difference between them.
In other words, experimental research is a more rigorous way to study cause and effect than correlational research. It is important to note, however, that even experiments cannot always prove causation with 100% certainty. There is always the possibility of other factors that could be causing the observed effect.
Here are some additional points about experimental research:
- The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates. It is also called the treatment variable.
- The dependent variable is the variable that the researcher measures. It is also called the outcome variable.
- The control group is the group of participants that do not receive the treatment. This group is used to compare to the experimental group to see if there is a difference between the
References
Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). AbnormalPsychology(18thed.).Pearson Education(US).https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033
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