Since school days’ students perform scientific experiments that provide results that define and prove the laws and theorems in science. These experiments are laid on a strong foundation of experimental research designs. Show
An experimental research design helps researchers execute their research objectives with more clarity and transparency. In this article, we will not only discuss the key aspects of experimental research designs but also the issues to avoid and problems to resolve while designing your research study.
What Is Experimental Research Design?Experimental research design is a framework of protocols and procedures created to conduct experimental research with a scientific approach using two sets of variables. Herein, the first set of variables acts as a constant, used to measure the differences of the second set. The best example of experimental research methods is quantitative research. Experimental research helps a researcher gather the necessary data for making better research decisions and determining the facts of a research study. When Can a Researcher Conduct Experimental Research?A researcher can conduct experimental research in the following situations —
Importance of Experimental Research DesignTo publish significant results, choosing a quality research design forms the foundation to build the research study. Moreover, effective research design helps establish quality decision-making procedures, structures the research to lead to easier data analysis, and addresses the main research question. Therefore, it is essential to cater undivided attention and time to create an experimental research design before beginning the practical experiment. By creating a research design, a researcher is also giving oneself time to organize the research, set up relevant boundaries for the study, and increase the reliability of the results. Through all these efforts, one could also avoid inconclusive results. If any part of the research design is flawed, it will reflect on the quality of the results derived. Based on the methods used to collect data in experimental studies, the experimental research designs are of three primary types: 1. Pre-experimental Research DesignA research study could conduct pre-experimental research design when a group or many groups are under observation after implementing factors of cause and effect of the research. The pre-experimental design will help researchers understand whether further investigation is necessary for the groups under observation. Pre-experimental research is of three types —
2. True Experimental Research DesignA true experimental research design relies on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a researcher’s hypothesis. It is one of the most accurate forms of research because it provides specific scientific evidence. Furthermore, out of all the types of experimental designs, only a true experimental design can establish a cause-effect relationship within a group. However, in a true experiment, a researcher must satisfy these three factors —
This type of experimental research is commonly observed in the physical sciences. 3. Quasi-experimental Research DesignThe word “Quasi” means similarity. A quasi-experimental design is similar to a true experimental design. However, the difference between the two is the assignment of the control group. In this research design, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not randomly assigned. This type of research design is used in field settings where random assignment is either irrelevant or not required. The classification of the research subjects, conditions, or groups determines the type of research design to be used. Advantages of Experimental ResearchExperimental research allows you to test your idea in a controlled environment before taking the research to clinical trials. Moreover, it provides the best method to test your theory because of the following advantages:
6 Mistakes to Avoid While Designing Your ResearchThere is no order to this list, and any one of these issues can seriously compromise the quality of your research. You could refer to the list as a checklist of what to avoid while designing your research. 1. Invalid Theoretical FrameworkUsually, researchers miss out on checking if their hypothesis is logical to be tested. If your research design does not have basic assumptions or postulates, then it is fundamentally flawed and you need to rework on your research framework. 2. Inadequate Literature StudyWithout a comprehensive research literature review, it is difficult to identify and fill the knowledge and information gaps. Furthermore, you need to clearly state how your research will contribute to the research field, either by adding value to the pertinent literature or challenging previous findings and assumptions. 3. Insufficient or Incorrect Statistical AnalysisStatistical results are one of the most trusted scientific evidence. The ultimate goal of a research experiment is to gain valid and sustainable evidence. Therefore, incorrect statistical analysis could affect the quality of any quantitative research. 4. Undefined Research ProblemThis is one of the most basic aspects of research design. The research problem statement must be clear and to do that, you must set the framework for the development of research questions that address the core problems. 5. Research LimitationsEvery study has some type of limitations. You should anticipate and incorporate those limitations into your conclusion, as well as the basic research design. Include a statement in your manuscript about any perceived limitations, and how you considered them while designing your experiment and drawing the conclusion. 6. Ethical ImplicationsThe most important yet less talked about topic is the ethical issue. Your research design must include ways to minimize any risk for your participants and also address the research problem or question at hand. If you cannot manage the ethical norms along with your research study, your research objectives and validity could be questioned. Experimental Research Design ExampleIn an experimental design, a researcher gathers plant samples and then randomly assigns half the samples to photosynthesize in sunlight and the other half to be kept in a dark box without sunlight, while controlling all the other variables (nutrients, water, soil, etc.) By comparing their outcomes in biochemical tests, the researcher can confirm that the changes in the plants were due to the sunlight and not the other variables. Experimental research is often the final form of a study conducted in the research process which is considered to provide conclusive and specific results. But it is not meant for every research. It involves a lot of resources, time, and money and is not easy to conduct, unless a foundation of research is built. Yet it is widely used in research institutes and commercial industries, for its most conclusive results in the scientific approach. Have you worked on research designs? How was your experience creating an experimental design? What difficulties did you face? Do write to us or comment below and share your insights on experimental research designs! What are the advantages of within participant design?Perhaps the most important advantage of within-subject designs is that they make it less likely that a real difference that exists between your conditions will stay undetected or be covered by random noise. Individual participants bring in to the test their own history, background knowledge, and context.
Which of the following are advantages of using a within participant design an experimental research?The primary advantages of a Within-Subjects design are as follows: The number of members or participants is less. A fewer number of resources are needed.
Which of the following is an advantage of within participant designs over between participant designs quizlet?An advantage of a within-subjects design over a matched-pairs between-subjects design is that: measuring subject characteristics is unnecessary in a within-subjects design.
Which of the following is an advantage of a withinAn advantage of using a within-subjects design is that fewer participants are required overall (economizing) because the same participants are observed in each group. A second advantage of using the within-subjects design is that the test statistic for this design has greater power to detect an effect between groups.
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