Understanding Research Design- Contrasting Experimental and Nonexperimental Approaches TOPIC Provide examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design. Contrast the levels of control applied to each.

Understanding Research Design- Contrasting Experimental and Nonexperimental Approaches

The distinguishing feature between experimental and non-experimental research design lies in the ability to manipulate variables. In experimental research, the independent variable can be manipulated to determine a cause-and-effect relationship (Siedlecki, 2020). In contrast, in non-experimental research, the independent variables are not manipulated. This type of research design utilizes observational and interpretive skills to provide a description or correlation. Non-experimental research designs do not provide a causality effect.

Experimental research design can be classified into three major categories. They include pre-experimental research, quasi-experimental research, and true experimental research (Siedlecki, 2020). Pre-experimental uses randomized variables, whereas quasi-experimental research uses pre-qualified variables. True experimental is considered more accurate than the two other designs. A specific example of experimental research is the reaction of different chemicals to determine how one chemical affects the other.

There are three types of non-experimental research design. They include observational, cross-sectional, and correlational research (Siedlecki, 2020). Subsequently, cross-sectional compares variables under the same conditions. Both correlational and observational studies do not manipulate the predictor variable. A specific example of non-experimental research is the investigation of behaviors or characteristics of a specific population.

Experimental research design utilizes various levels of control. They include placing the variables constant, measuring and statistically manipulating variables, and randomization (Bhandari, 2021). Randomization ensures an even distribution of the variables. Masking helps overcome the challenge of bias emanating from self-opinionated researchers and underlying prejudices. Non-experimental research design does not entail manipulating control variables. A comparison is made of dependent and independent variables that are made under a similar criterion. The comparison can be statistical or behavioral, as demonstrated by correlational and observational research designs, respectively (Bhandari, 2021). Manipulation is not desirable in instances where ethical considerations are to be upheld. Non-experimental research design is advantageous in this scenario.

References

Siedlecki, S. L. (2020). Understanding Descriptive Research Designs and Methods. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 34(1), 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0000000000000493

Bhandari, P. (2021). Controlled Experiments – Methods and Examples of Control. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/controlled-experiment/

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