Experimental design employs comparison as its strategy for the given research. It uses two groups, which the researcher uses for comparison purposes. These include the experimental group and a control group. The two groups used in a study have similarities, but the experimental group uses the independent variable, whereas the researcher the control group is not assignment of subjects to either control or experimental group because it is central to chance. Nevertheless, the researcher assigns cases to the two groups randomly. In order to determine the influence of the independent variable, investigators will measure the dependent variable, designated as scores, two times from both groups (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, 2008).
In addition, researchers take a single measurement, the pretest, for all cases before introducing the independent variable in the experimental group. Moreover, they also take a second measurement, the posttest, for both cases after exposing the experimental group to the independent variable. Afterwards, the investigators determine the difference in the measurements obtained from the pretest and posttest; if the variation in the experimental group is larger when compared to the control group, the hypothesis developed is that there is a casual relation between the dependent variable to the independent variable (Walker, 2005).
Strengths
In the experimental design, it is possible to observe the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable within a short time. In addition, research suggests that it is the strongest research design because it is possible to manipulate independent variables and offer substantial control over the intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Most importantly, the experiments will enable the investigators to control the independent variable to help them establish the potential pathway of causation.
Weaknesses
Although research suggests that it is the strongest design, it does not fall short of weaknesses. In experimental design, the external validity is weak because the design does not allow for replication in reality. Nevertheless, investigators must always rely on volunteer for their potential samples. This suggests that the sample may not be an investigator's choice, which further prevents them from generalization limiting the scope of their study.
Longitudinal/Observational design
Longitudinal research designs involve the collection of data and subsequent...
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