Experimentation is one of the common methods used in quantitative research. Premised on the positivist philosophy, an experiment is essentially conducted to investigate causal relationships between variables (Bryman, 2008). Indeed, this is one of the major strengths of experimental research compared to other types of studies -- it not only describes association between variables, but also explains causation between variables (Kothari, 2004). This essay describes the various components of an experimental method plan. The paper also explains threats to validity as well as nuances involved in interpreting results from an empirical study.An experimental design has four major components: participants, materials, procedures, and measures (Creswell, 2014). Participants denote the subjects from which the required data will be obtained. The participants section should describe the process of selecting and assigning the participants. This involves explaining whether random or non-random procedures will be used to select participants, whether the participants will be randomly assigned to groups (true experimental design) or not randomly assigned (quasi-experimental design), and how systematic bias will be controlled (Creswell, 2014). Though random sampling is important for avoiding or minimizing bias, at times the researcher may be compelled to use non-random techniques such as convenience sampling due to the nature of the target population (Martin & Bridgmon, 2012). The participants section should also describe the number of participants selected and the number assigned to...
An appropriate sample size should be used to ensure the sample is sufficiently representative of the target population (Kothari, 2004).
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
Dependent Variable 1: Strength of Expressed Opinions on Questionnaire. Independent Variable 2: Exposure to Indirect Intervention. Dependent Variable 2: Strength of Expressed Opinions on Questionnaire. Variables Direct Intervention -- Test subjects will be exposed to conversation at the dinner table directed to them and including them on three separate occasions one week apart about the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly and about the dangerous consequences of drinking irresponsibly. Indirect Intervention -- Test subjects will be
Causation cannot be inferred from non-experimental designs, only relationships. This type of design allows researchers to observe how certain factors co-exist in a natural environment, without any experimental intervention. This allows researchers a first step in testing hypotheses and theories as to what causes a certain phenomenon. When a study is lacking in internal validity, it means that confounding variables within the study were not successfully eliminated. In other words,
Experimental Design for Hypothetical Research Study Recent research has emerged which suggests that the ingestion of chocolate may lead to improved cognitive function within the realm of memorization and retention of information. Establishing a conclusive link between certain chemical components found in chocolate and the improvement of memory function would be a significant point of progress for medical science, especially when the impact of Alzheimer's disease, early-onset dementia and other memory-reduction
experimental design feasible? Why or why not? • What suggestions can you make for future studies of the DARE program? The aims of DARE are long-term in nature, namely to encourage students to not abuse drugs over the course of their lifetimes. The only way to test this aim is to conduct a longitudinal study of a representative body of DARE graduates over at least a twenty-year period, to see if
goal of the research is to conduct an assessment of probable issues relating to hiring a deputy director for the organization, which has operated without an actual office manager for a year. Consequently, the research objective is to identify positive qualities that an individual must possess to be considered for the vacant position of an office manager. In light of the current situation, acquiring a manager with positive qualities
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